Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors NBA

Jason Kidd Speaks On Jonathan Kuminga As Trade Rumors Persist Before Golden State Warriors Game

Nitish SinghJanuary 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, NBA

Photo via Golden State Warriors

With trade rumors swirling across the NBA ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, few established players are operating with complete certainty. That uncertainty has followed Jonathan Kuminga, whose situation with the Golden State Warriors has grown increasingly complicated in recent weeks.

Kuminga, who publicly requested a trade earlier this season, had fallen out of the regular rotation and spent stretches as a DNP as Golden State leaned on veteran lineups. That trend shifted abruptly when Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending injury, forcing the Warriors to reconfigure both their rotation and offensive hierarchy.

The situation opened the door for Kuminga to re-enter a featured role, and it did not go unnoticed by opposing teams preparing for Golden State. Through 19 games this season, Kuminga is averaging 12.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 24.6 minutes per game, production that reflects both his efficiency when involved and the fluctuation of his role.

Jason Kidd Evaluates Jonathan Kuminga’s Scoring Return

Ahead of Dallas’ matchup with Golden State, Jason Kidd was asked about Jonathan Kuminga’s expanded role following his most recent performance against the Toronto Raptors. Despite Golden State’s 18-point loss, Kuminga showed increasing comfort as the game progressed, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting in 21 minutes after being reinserted into the rotation for the first time in 17 games.

Much of that production came after a quiet opening stretch, as Kuminga’s downhill scoring helped provide a spark during the third quarter while the Warriors searched for offensive stability in their first game since losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending knee injury.

Kidd referenced that progression when responding to DallasHoopsJournal.com senior writer Grant Afseth, pointing to both the rust and the scoring upside Kuminga showed while working back into rhythm.

“He got off to a slow start, but it picked up in the second half,” Kidd said. “He’s a young talent who can score, and we expect to see him tomorrow.”

Jason Kidd on Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga:

“He’s a young talent that can score.” pic.twitter.com/niaCVemTq1
— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) January 21, 2026

Kidd’s comments came as part of a broader media session focused on Dallas’ health, pace, and offensive spacing. While discussing Cooper Flagg’s return from injury, Kidd emphasized how rhythm and shooting have shaped the Mavericks’ recent performances.

“He looked good,” Kidd said of Flagg. “The athleticism, the balance, the spirit, the energy—it looked like he hadn’t been out.”

Kidd added that improved perimeter shooting has made it easier for Flagg to consistently pressure the paint.

“Yeah, it becomes easier when you’re shooting the ball the way we’ve shot it the last three games,” Kidd said. “The court tends to open up. But even when we weren’t shooting it that way, he was still able to get to the paint. That’s just how good he is.”

Trade Context Adds Weight to Jason Kidd’s Comments

Kidd’s praise of Kuminga arrives at a notable moment. As previously reported by Afseth for DallasHoopsJournal.com, the Dallas Mavericks have shown significant interest in exploring a deal for the Warriors forward as the deadline approaches.

Any potential framework, however, remains complicated. League sources have indicated to Afseth that Golden State’s evaluation of value centers heavily on the inclusion of Anthony Davis, making it difficult to construct a deal that satisfies both sides without reshaping Dallas’ long-term plans.

Still, the fit is easy to envision. Kuminga’s scoring versatility and physical profile would align naturally alongside Flagg, giving Dallas another young, high-ceiling option capable of creating offense without monopolizing the ball.

Whether that scenario materializes remains uncertain, particularly with the deadline approaching rapidly. But as Kidd’s comments illustrated, Kuminga’s talent — and his availability — continue to command attention across the league at a time when opportunity and urgency are colliding.