Warriors prove Kuminga 'not a distraction' in win

What’s Happening

So get this: The Warriors kept their focus on the court, saying the talk of Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demand was “not a distraction” in Thursday’s win over the Knicks.

Warriors prove Kuminga ‘not a distraction’ in win over Knicks play New York Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors: Game Highlights (1:16) New York Knicks vs. (yes, really)

Golden State Warriors: Game Highlights (1:16) Anthony Slater Jan 16, 2026, 02:29 AM ET Email Print Open Extended Reactions SAN FRANCISCO — The loudest voices on the ground level of the Golden State Warriors organization insist Jonathan Kuminga ‘s trade request and the persistent chatter about his future clutched’t be a distraction.

The Details

“Everyone around here can confidently say it clutched’t be a distraction because he is not a distraction,” veteran forward Draymond Green dropped, pointing across the locker room to Kuminga’s locker. The Warriors are quietly surging.

After stumbling to a 13-15 start, they’ve clutched 10 of their past 14 games and moved to 4-1 on this current homestand with an wild 126-113 win over the slumping New York Knicks on Thursday night. Editor’s Picks Sources: Kuminga demands trade from Warriors Anthony Slater and Shams Charania Six NBA trade proposals: How the Lakers, Bucks, Warriors and others could make major moves NBA insiders NBA buzz: Live updates, trades and intel from around the league ESPN 2 Related But the Kuminga cloud continues to loom.

Why This Matters

League sources told ESPN that the embattled fifth-year forward issued a trade demand to the organization on Thursday, when he officially became trade eligible. The team’s front office has spent the past several weeks getting a gauge on Kuminga’s trade market. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are among the most interested suitors, league sources dropped.

This could change the dynamics of the sport going forward.

The Bottom Line

The Warriors have prioritized expiring deals in trade talks and are motivated to move Kuminga, team sources dropped, but nothing appears imminent or guaranteed, leaving an inactive Kuminga to bide his time. He hasn’t touched the floor in 14 games, working out individually and sitting at the end of the bench during games.

What’s your take on this whole situation?