5 potential trade deals Warriors can make amid Jonathan Kuminga's rumored despondence
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly now willing to include the disgruntled Jonathan Kuminga in trade talks. The forward has expressed dissatisfaction in how he has been utilized by Steve Kerr this season. Though, prying him away from the Warriors will not likely be easy for interested teams.
The Dubs will pull the trigger on a deal that will ultimately help them contend for a championship. They previously wanted to keep Jordan Poole for the duration of his four-year contract but ended up moving him to Washington for Chris Paul.
The Golden State Warriors have stumbled to an 18-22 record, two games behind the LA Lakers (21-22) for the 10th spot. If the Warriors want to improve the roster, Jonathan Kuminga may have to be traded. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. could agree to a deal for the right price.
Teams the Warriors could trade Jonathan Kuminga to:
#5 Portland Trail Blazers
The Golden State Warriors’ defensive rating is 24th in the NBA this season. Draymond Green bemoaned their inability to consistently stop opponents. Trading for the Portland Trail Blazers’ Matisse Thybulle could help them in that regard. The Warriors might have to include a second-round pick and Jonathan Kuminga to get the defensive stalwart.
Kuminga will likely immediately start for coach Chauncey Billups. It could be a win-win situation for both teams.
#4 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz rebuild has gone way better than expected with the way Lauri Markkanen has been playing. The development of Walker Kessler has also considerably helped them in that regard. Perhaps trading for Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II could help them even more. Kelly Olynyk might be someone the Golden State Warriors will be interested in.
The Jazz get their forward of the future and also bolster their backcourt. Payton can also be moved for added draft capital in a separate deal.
The Warriors, meanwhile, get one of the NBA’s most versatile and underrated big men. A frontline of Draymond Green and Olynyk will open more opportunities for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.