Golden State Warriors brace for trade as Jonathan Kuminga’s future hangs in the balance
As the NBA season approaches its mid-point, the Golden State Warriors are bracing for a significant shift. Jonathan Kuminga, the 23-year-old forward who has shown flashes of brilliance, is expected to be traded shortly after he becomes eligible on January 15. The Warriors’ management is actively exploring options, as the February 5 trade deadline looms large.
Interest from Contenders
Several teams are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kuminga’s potential availability. On December 31, sources indicated that the Dallas Mavericks are intrigued by the prospect of acquiring Kuminga as part of a package that could involve Anthony Davis. However, for such a trade to work financially, the Warriors would need to include either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, both of whom the franchise is reluctant to part with.
In addition to the Mavericks, the Sacramento Kings have expressed continued interest. The Kings made an attempt to secure Kuminga during the offseason through a sign-and-trade, but the Warriors’ demands for compensation proved too steep. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are also listed as a team to watch, with speculation swirling around their interest in the young forward.
Potential Trade Partners
The landscape of potential trades becomes more complex when considering the New Orleans Pelicans. Reports from mid-December suggested that the Warriors were keen on acquiring Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans, and Kuminga could serve as a valuable asset in these negotiations. However, feedback on how the Pelicans value Kuminga remains mixed, leaving this avenue uncertain.
The Indiana Pacers have been quietly scouting Kuminga since the beginning of the 2024-25 season, adding another layer to his trade appeal. With multiple teams keeping him on their radar, Kuminga’s stock could rise significantly depending on how negotiations unfold.
Lack of Interest from Others
Despite the buzz around Kuminga, not all teams are keen on pursuing him. The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly shown little interest since last summer, as have the Phoenix Suns, who explored potential sign-and-trade scenarios for Kuminga earlier in the offseason but appear to have cooled on him since then.
Past Rumors Resurface
Earlier discussions from October also hinted at potential interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, although specifics remain scarce. The Los Angeles Clippers were willing to discuss a sign-and-trade involving Paul George if Kuminga were included, though at that time, the Warriors were not ready to make him available.
Targets in Return for Kuminga
As the Warriors explore their options, they are also identifying potential targets to acquire in return for Kuminga. Reports indicate that internal discussions have taken place regarding Michael Porter Jr. Furthermore, names like Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, and Robert Williams have surfaced in connection with the Warriors as they seek to bolster their roster.
In addition to these targets, the Warriors have maintained an interest in the previously mentioned Trey Murphy III and have shown past interest in Myles Turner. The continued exploration of these avenues suggests that the Warriors are committed to making the most of Kuminga’s trade value.
With all eyes on the Warriors and Kuminga’s uncertain future, the January 15 eligibility date is set to ignite what could be a frenzied trade period. Whether Kuminga remains a Warrior or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere remains one of the most compelling narratives as the NBA season unfolds.
