The Golden State Warriors have many key pieces on their roster, some for the present and some for the future. As they look towards players that could improve their roster, it’s increasingly unlikely they deal both of their big-name young prospects.
The team really only has two names that stand out among the rest, 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman and 2021 No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga. Both should be able to return a quality, rotation-changing player.
The Golden State Warriors have headlined many rumors and, if they do make a trade, do not expect them to couple Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman.
The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson sat down with The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor on The Ringer NBA Show. During the show, O’Connor and Thompson, towards the end, got into what a potential trade for a star could look like.
If a superstar is there, could the Warriors trade both Kuminga and Wiseman? O’Connor suggested an extreme trade that solved all the Warriors issues, and Thompson quickly noted how against coupling the two young prospects together Golden State would be.
“There’s no way they’re doing it with Wiseman and Kuminga. You might be able to pry one of them,” Thompson said.
This is reassuring to hear.
Thompson went on to mention how general manager Bob Myers isn’t wanting to that tanking period after a star player leaves. After all, look at teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers who have perennially been in the lottery since LeBron James‘ exodus.
Also, having these high-potential players could help elongate the careers of the Big 3. There’s no telling what the future holds, but having at least one of Wiseman or Kuminga on the roster for the long-term future should be a must for Golden State.
The Warriors have Stephen Curry locked up for the next half of a decade, so there’s time. However, he’s coming off an MVP-caliber season, so there’s also no denying that Golden State should do all they can to help the team compete for a title now.
In doing so, do not expect them to couple both of their young stars.
For now, it feels like Kuminga may be the one with the higher value, especially after his terrific showing at the Las Vegas Summer League, but as Wiseman enters his second season, we’ll have to see if he can improve as a shooter and defender.
Regardless of how he does, expect at least one of the two big-time prospects to end the season on the roster.