Trade countdown? Kuminga and the Warriors face a rift due to negotiations: could be traded as early as January 16

On October 6 Beijing time, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, once Kuminga becomes eligible for trade on January 16 next year (Beijing time), the Warriors will put him on the trade market. A divide has already formed between both sides.

“The growing expectation is that once Kuminga gains trade eligibility on January 16, the Warriors will push him onto the trade block to see what return they can get for the 22-year-old before the February 6 trade deadline. From what I understand, after such prolonged negotiations, the relationship at the bargaining table has undoubtedly fractured. Therefore, how Kuminga fits into the Warriors during the ‘Butler era’ will be one of the key storylines in the first few months of this season. If Kuminga continues to struggle to secure a stable role under coach Kerr as before, his name is bound to become a central focus of trade rumors this season.”

As a restricted free agent, Kuminga has signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract (note: the contract includes a trade guarantee, meaning he only receives the full $48.5 million if traded). Previously, Shams reported this deal contains a team option for the 2026-27 season, designed to allow for renegotiation of the contract next summer.

Trade rumors involving Kuminga have been intensifying this season, which is not surprising. During the offseason, the Warriors explored a potential sign-and-trade deal with the Kings, primarily involving Kuminga and Monk.

Kuminga’s $22.5 million annual salary is a significant amount, and the Warriors can use this salary as a foundation to construct trades that address potential gaps in their roster this season.

In fact, Kuminga and his team accepting this contract instead of a qualifying offer worth about $7.9 million is a form of “help” for the Warriors, because that one-year qualifying offer included a trade veto right.

Although by signing this two-year deal with a 15% trade guarantee Kuminga secured more income, thanks to the team option in the contract, he could still be traded and join a new team next season.