Jonathan Kuminga’s potential keeps generating buzz, yet he hasn’t quite gained the trust of Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. This season, he’s been statistically among the least effective players in the league, sitting in the 12th percentile for EPM. Interestingly, the Warriors chose not to part ways with the 23-year-old talent, opting to sign him to a two-year, $46 million contract over the summer, likely to use him as trade bait later. Kuminga became eligible for trade on January 15 and has since been removed from Golden State’s rotation altogether. Recently, he’s reportedly expressed a desire to be traded.
The Warriors invested significantly in Kuminga mainly to use him in potential trades, but it seems unlikely that he could net anything substantial to fill gaps in their current roster. Reports indicate they aren’t looking to recover the long-term financial commitment tied to his contract, leaving them with limited options. It appears that their best prospect might be trading him for an expiring contract along with a couple of second-round picks. Holding onto Kuminga could become a waiting game for the Warriors, but it doesn’t seem like sitting him on the bench will help boost his value.
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, here are three hypothetical trades involving Kuminga. It’s worth noting that these options don’t seem particularly beneficial for the Warriors.
Proposed Trade Between Lakers and Nets for Kuminga
The Lakers have shown interest in acquiring Kuminga, but due to complex rules regarding player contracts, striking a deal straight across is tricky. To make this work, I thought incorporating the Nets as a third team could be beneficial. This way, they could take on LaRabia from the Warriors, who hasn’t been performing exceptionally well this season. Although he’s an underperforming player, his size as a wing could still attract Golden State. On the other hand, Highsmith, who’s recovering from a torn meniscus, has displayed promise as a two-way forward, and the Lakers might offer Kuminga a better-defined role, possibly similar to how Rui Hachimura has been utilized.
Proposed Trade Between Kings and Bulls for Kuminga
The Kings seem to be the leading contenders for Kuminga’s services, but the Warriors are hesitant to take on Malik Monk’s long-term contract at this stage. In this proposed three-team trade, the Bulls would acquire Monk, allowing Kuminga to head to Sacramento. From this arrangement, the Warriors would receive a former second-round pick, Devin Carter, and Darren Terry. While Terry could play solid defense, he struggles offensively and he’s nearing the end of his contract. Carter, now in his second season, hasn’t delivered on the 3-and-D potential that made him a lottery pick. Maybe the Warriors think they can revitalize Carter’s career, while the Bulls would bring in a scoring guard like Monk, enabling them to trade for Coby White before re-signing him.
Proposed Trade for Kuminga to Mavericks
There are rumors that the Mavericks have an eye on Kuminga, potentially using that interest to facilitate a trade involving Klay Thompson going back to the Warriors. While Golden State might not want to keep Thompson at $16 million for another season, trading him again this summer for a more impactful player could be on their radar. There’s always a chance Thompson could find his rhythm and help the Warriors reach the playoffs, which is an intriguing thought. Overall, I see minimal risks for both teams in this scenario.
Could the Warriors consider bundling Kuminga with a future first-round pick or two to land someone like Michael Porter Jr.? It’s a possibility, though I’m not sure if the Nets would part with a player for just one pick, and it doesn’t seem likely the Warriors would offer two. Feel free to throw in your favorite hypothetical Kuminga trades below; I’ll gladly weigh in.
