Warriors' Kuminga Era Ends in Bitter Failure

The team's mishandling of its top draft picks in recent years has left the Warriors with little to show for their future.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Golden State Warriors have finally traded away Jonathan Kuminga, closing the chapter on a saga that highlighted the team's failure to properly develop and utilize its top draft assets in recent years. The Warriors' decision to draft Kuminga and James Wiseman with back-to-back lottery picks shortly after winning championships has been widely criticized as an abject failure, with the young players failing to contribute meaningfully to the team's success. The article examines the various factors that led to this outcome, including the team's arrogance, stubbornness, and lack of foresight, as well as the role of head coach Steve Kerr and owner Joe Lacob.

Why it matters

The Warriors' inability to capitalize on their high draft picks could have long-lasting implications for the team's future, as they now face the challenge of rebuilding around an aging Stephen Curry. The article suggests that the team's mishandling of these assets is an "unforgivable" mistake that will be rehashed for years to come.

The details

The Warriors traded Kuminga, along with Buddy Hield, to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for oft-injured center Kristaps Porzingis. This move finally closed the chapter on the team's "two timelines" approach, which saw them draft Kuminga and Wiseman with back-to-back lottery picks shortly after winning championships. Both players struggled to develop and fit into the Warriors' system, with Kuminga in particular failing to consistently contribute on the court and eventually demanding a trade.

  • The Jonathan Kuminga trade was completed on the eve of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Jonathan Kuminga

A former lottery pick of the Golden State Warriors who struggled to find his footing with the team and was recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Stephen Curry

The superstar point guard of the Golden State Warriors, who has led the team to multiple championships but is now facing the twilight of his career.

Bob Myers

The former general manager of the Golden State Warriors, who was responsible for drafting both Kuminga and Wiseman.

Mike Dunleavy

The current general manager of the Golden State Warriors, who was left to deal with the aftermath of the team's mishandling of its top draft picks.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who has been criticized for his inability to develop young players.

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What they’re saying

“When you make a demand there needs to be demand on the market,”

— Mike Dunleavy, General Manager, Golden State Warriors

“The Warriors' conceit was in drafting two projects, first 19-year-old James Wiseman and then 18-year-old Kuminga. Both players had barely any development — just a few games of college for Wiseman and none for Kuminga — and didn't fit at all into the way the Warriors excelled and won championships.”

— Ann Killion, Columnist

What’s next

The Warriors will need to focus on rebuilding around Stephen Curry and finding ways to better develop and utilize their future draft assets.

The takeaway

The Warriors' mishandling of their top draft picks in recent years, including Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, has been a major setback for the team and could have long-lasting implications for their ability to extend their championship window around Stephen Curry.