Golden State Warriors eased concerns around Jonathan Kuminga's trade request with a 126-113 home victory over the New York Knicks, lifting the record to 23-19. Attention still centred on Kuminga's future, though, as reports of a formal trade demand surfaced shortly after the forward became trade eligible on Thursday.
On the court, Jimmy Butler led Golden State with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Steph Curry produced 27 points and seven assists. Moses Moody added 21 points, hitting seven three-pointers, and Brandin Podziemski scored 19, as the Knicks slipped to just two wins from their last nine games.
Kuminga has not appeared in Golden State Warriors line-ups for the past 14 games, yet remains central to the debate around the team. Sacramento
Kings and Dallas Mavericks are both linked with possible offers, as front offices monitor a season where Kuminga averages 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Draymond Green insisted the Golden State Warriors locker room stays steady despite the situation. "Everyone around here can confidently say it won't be a distraction because he is not a distraction," Green said, gesturing toward Kuminga's stall. Green's view suggested the group expects to manage any trade talks internally.
Curry echoed that stance, stressing focus on results rather than speculation. "It's a very unique situation," Curry added. "Our job is to keep playing, keep winning. It'll resolve itself one way or the other. " Golden State Warriors staff and players now await any movement before the trade deadline.
Butler knows the uncertainty around moves, having joined Golden State Warriors from the Miami Heat last February at age 36. The veteran compared his own experience to Kuminga's current position, while stressing the personal ties in the changing room and the respect held for the young forward's ambitions.
"We love JK in this locker room," Butler said. "That's not going to change. If that happens to not be here, we still rock with JK. That's for everybody. I wish him the best here. I wish him the best wherever. "
When pressed on whether Golden State Warriors should grant Jonathan Kuminga's wish for a new opportunity, Butler stepped back from any direct verdict. "Hey, hey, hey, hey," Butler said. "It ain't got nothing to do with me. I want JK to be happy. At the end of the day, that's what I want. Whatever brings him his joy and his happiness, that's what I want. "
West Coast, BEST Coast pic.twitter.com/RvAFXX8AyvGolden State Warriors (@warriors) January 16, 2026
The Golden State Warriors leave the night with a needed win, a positive scoring spread across Butler, Curry, Moody and Podziemski, and unresolved questions over Jonathan Kuminga. With trade links growing and public backing from key teammates, the organisation now faces a careful decision as the Western Conference race continues.
