Throughout the offseason, Jonathan Kuminga's ongoing sage with the Golden State Warriors was arguably the most talked about topic.
The former G-League Ignite star seemed set on a fresh start to prove his impact in a situation where a team valued what he had to offer.
As a restricted free agent, Kuminga had the opportunity to negotiate with interested teams, and there wasn't a shortage of interest in the young forward's market.
Several teams checked in on the former lottery pick including the Washington Wizards, who have remained determined to pair a versatile frontcourt option alongside rising star Alex Sarr.
The only problem? Golden State held all the leverage in the situation.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors made it clear that there wouldn't be a circumstance in which they lost Kuminga for a return that didn't satisfy then.
With the leverage to match any offer sheet, Kuminga had no room to negotiate with a team without said team putting together a trade package that would interest the Warriors.
As a result, the saga ran until nearly the end of the offseason before Kuminga and the Warriors mutually agreed for the forward to return to Dub City and attempt to repair the relationship or move him ahead of the trade deadline in February.
Now, it's become clear that Kuminga will be moved ahead of the deadline as both sides have seemingly become frustrated to the point a fresh start is needed,
For a team like the Wizards, waiting out the Kuminga situation may have been the smartest option of them all.
Jonathan Kuminga's trade value is at an all-time low
Throughout the start of the season, Kuminga's frustration and bad fit in the Wizards system has led him to put together one of the worst seasons of his young career,
Averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, while shooting 43.1% from field goal range and 32% from beyond the arc, there's no doubt that Kuminga's trade value is much lower than it was during the offseason after he impressed during the Warriors' postseason run.
For teams interested in acquiring Kuminga, all the leverage has shifted with the Warriors making it clear that the team has fractured the relationship with the playmaker beyond repair.
Kuminga is destined for a change of scenery and at this point, Golden State is lucky to get a return that helps them at all.
That said, team's like the Wizards may swing back around with the chance to land a high-upside prospect like Kuminga for a discounted price.