The Golden State Warriors were previously thought to be ‘big game hunting’ ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and while all expectations still point to them moving on from Jonathan Kuminga, new trade rumors hint that one of their top targets is now out of reach.
While the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo was brief and fleeting, Anthony Davis emerged as a potential target for the Warriors to pair with Stephen Curry in the final seasons of his career. However, a deal for the now-injured big man also appears off the table, according to new reports.
Per ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Tim Bontemps, Golden State is still unwilling to give up either Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green in a deal, and with Davis sidelined for at least six weeks, the possibility of him moving to the Bay Area is ‘off the board.’
“I sense zero appetite for that right now from the Warriors,” Slater said on ESPN’s Stock Report show. “Not only trading for a guy, but you would very likely trade Draymond Green in that scenario. And it’s like imagine trading Draymond Green for a guy who, like, ‘He might be back around playoff time.'”
According to Shams Charania and Slater, the Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in Kuminga as of late, but based on the new report, Davis wouldn’t be included in a deal, as it would have to have one of the Warriors’ other top-paid players to match Davis’ max contract.
Warriors Trade Rumors, Top Targets
Though Bontemps said Davis would be a good fit in Golden State, considering his versatility on defense and scoring ability on offense, with the downturn in play of Green and Al Horford in the frontcourt, his latest injury and overall availability make it nearly impossible for the Warriors to put together a big package to make the blockbuster move for him.
However, there have been differing reports on Davis’ trade potential, with Bobby Marks and Kevin Pelton believing the big man will be traded, which comes after Charania reported Dallas is still engaged in trade talks. Yet still, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype thinks he’ll stay with his current team by the February 5th deadline, “unless the Mavericks essentially want to salary dump him.”
Instead, the Warriors have been linked to Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans and Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets. A deal for the surging Porter appears unlikely, as the two teams had brief trade talks, but those have since quieted as the deadline approaches.
Murphy remains the much more likely target, and while still a big asking price, Golden State could offer a package of Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a first-round pick for the 3-and-D star in the Big Easy.
The Bay Area team has also been linked to a few other players over the past few weeks, but as time goes on, adding a big name feels more and more unlikely, especially considering their consistent reluctance to include Butler or Green in any trade talks.
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors
For head coach Steve Kerr, general manager Mike Dunleavy, and the rest of the front office, any potential player they can get back in a trade comes down to how much teams around the league value Kuminga, and whoever else they are willing to give up in a deal.
While Dallas has shown interest, the only players they could likely get back would be Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Klay Thompson, but considering the back-and-forth reports on the Mavericks’ trade deadline plans, it’s hard to say if any of them are available in a potential Kuminga trade.
However, the Sacramento Kings remain heavily interested in the 23-year-old wing who hasn’t stepped foot on the court for the Warriors in a month. It’s been consistently reported that they want to send out Malik Monk, with two years left on his deal, and would likely include Keon Ellis, who has seen a growing trade value with interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
Still, Muprhy from New Orleans would likely be their best bet, even though he’d carry the highest price.
What is true is that Kuminga is on his way out before February 5th, and while the Warriors haven’t done themselves any favors by Kerr consistently leaving the wing on the bench, all expectations point to them bringing in someone who can both fit and add major value to their current roster.
Isiah believes it speaks volumes that other Warriors players haven’t publicly advocated for JK’s playing time 😶
If Kuminga isn’t moved by the trade deadline…
Big game hunting for a player like Davis or Antetokounmpo can now be ruled out based on the Warriors’ trade restrictions, so they’ll have to pivot, with just over two weeks before Kuminga will be tied down to the roster for the rest of the season.
Warriors Get Bad News On Anthony Davis For Kuminga Trade Rumors