Jonathan Kuminga has played just 10 minutes since Dec. 6, sitting out 13 games entirely as the Golden State Warriors forward approaches trade eligibility on Jan. 15. The Sacramento Kings are widely viewed as the frontrunner to acquire Kuminga, with league sources revealing the teams talked last week and are expected to resume discussions soon.

Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal with Golden State in the summer. His frayed relationship with Steve Kerr has become an open secret as his role has disappeared this season.

A third team will likely be required to complete a deal because the Warriors have shown no interest in Sacramento’s available veterans. The Kings offered a protected 2030 first-round pick and Malik Monk in a summer sign-and-trade attempt, but league sources said the first-round pick is no longer in play.

The shift represents a crucial loss in leverage for Golden State as Kuminga’s diminished role and strained relationship with Kerr become more apparent. The Warriors’ bargaining position has weakened significantly since the summer negotiations.

Golden State insists they will keep Kuminga past the Feb. 5 deadline if no deal meets their needs. That stance would likely be met with extreme dissatisfaction among Warriors circles, both inside the organization and among fans.

The forward has been completely removed from the rotation despite signing a new contract just months ago. His situation highlights the dysfunction between player and team as trade season approaches.