Jonathan Kuminga Trade Standoff Rattles Warriors

Merlin sees a breaking point in Golden State. Jonathan Kuminga has formally demanded a trade after a season of fits and starts, and ESPN sources called the situation a "complete waste of everybody's time." Inside the organization, "essentially every major figure" — including Kuminga and coach Steve Kerr — reportedly agrees a move is needed. Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal this summer with the second year designed to be "ripped up," yet he has not played since Dec. 18 and the Warriors sit 22-19 and short on consistency. Merlin senses this is as much about player feeling as roster math. Kuminga "feels a little held hostage by the organization," and a fresh spot could reignite the promise he showed earlier. Trade value will hinge on teams buying his upside versus his limited recent minutes. Watch the Feb. 5 deadline for how quickly the chess pieces move.