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3 James Wiseman-Jonathan Kuminga trades the Golden State Warriors may consider

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Lauri Markkanen defends Golden State Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Lauri Markkanen defends Golden State Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors acquire near All-Star level forward from the Utah Jazz.

Lauri Markkanen has been one of the most improved players in the league this season, proving the main architect behind the Utah Jazz’ 10-6 record to date. There’s no sign that the franchise would want to move on from the 25-year-old, however his stellar play is holding back general manager Danny Ainge’s idea of procuring a top pick.

Wiseman and Kuminga would aid in that process. They’d be given the room and time to play through their mistakes, a fortune they don’t currently get at the Warriors. Here’s how a deal may look:

For the Warriors, acquiring Markkanen would be the most optimistic proposition given he’s the highest calibre player of those previously mentioned — he’s currently averaging 21.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 52.3% from the field.

While those numbers would likely decrease in a reduced role in Golden State, his offensive flexibility would fit perfectly in their system. The seven-footer can shoot it from deep, has enough ball-handling ability to create his own shot, and the passing vision to make the right reads in an offense predicated on ball and player movement.

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He could play a lethal bench role or replace Looney as a starter, ultimately giving Steve Kerr an abundance of potential lineup combinations. Once more, we’re talking about a 25-year-old who’s contracted for two more seasons and is still establishing what he can be at the NBA level. While it’s a win-now move, there’d still be an element of medium to long-term thinking with such a deal.

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