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Kuminga Demands Trade From Warriors as Lakers Emerge as Suitor

Golden State is prioritizing expiring contracts with draft assets to preserve flexibility before the Feb. 5 deadline.

Overview

  • The 23-year-old became trade-eligible on Jan. 15 and requested a move, according to ESPN.
  • He has not played since Dec. 18, and The Athletic reports the relationship has "grown so sour" it could hinder a pre-deadline deal.
  • Golden State seeks expiring salary with draft compensation and has resisted taking on long-term money, including Malik Monk’s contract in talks with Sacramento.
  • The Lakers are monitoring the situation, with Rob Pelinka described as a fan of Kuminga, while Dallas, Chicago and Miami have also been linked.
  • Kuminga’s two-year deal includes a 2026-27 team option that positions next season as a roughly $24 million expiring, and Steve Kerr called the standoff "a difficult situation."