Proposed mock trade sends Golden State Warriors’ youngster to the Indiana Pacers

If the Golden State Warriors’ postseason continues in much the same fashion, then serious question marks will be raised on the future of former seventh overall pick Jonathan Kuminga.

That future may raised by Kuminga himself who’s voiced his frustration at a lack of role and playing time since the playoffs got underway. After an exciting regular season that showed major signs of development, the second-year forward has been left out of Steve Kerr’s rotation since early in the postseason.

A proposed mock trade sees the Golden State Warriors replenish their future draft capital in exchange for promising young forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Kuminga still has two years left on his rookie deal, assuming Golden State pick up his fourth-year option for the 2024-25 season. The Warriors’ two-timeline plan has already aligned closer to their experienced core when they dealt James Wiseman mid-season, and they could blow up their future aspirations entirely by trading Kuminga this off-season.

However, a proposed mock trade from NBA Analysis Network doesn’t actually address the present for Golden State, but rather replenishes their future draft stocks. Here’s how they see a deal with the Indiana Pacers working out –

On first glance the value seems about right, perhaps even in favor of the Warriors. Three first-round picks is quite the return for a talented but unproven young player, particularly when two of those come from a team that’s still developing and hasn’t made the playoffs for three-straight seasons.

But what’s the point for Golden State? Do they expect to be able to give playing time to develop young talent in 2-3 years time when those draft picks are actual players on the roster? Stephen Curry will still be around, and while he’s at the franchise the Warriors will still want to be in championship contention.

The Warriors have spent two years developing Kuminga, and despite a flatline blip right now, the trajectory has been generally upward and positive throughout his career so far. Is it worth them giving that up unless he really wants to push his way out the door?

Kuminga’s future could well be raised by management during the offseason, but any potential trade is almost certain to add experienced talent for the short-term. While this mock trade is fair value wise, it’s not addressing the Warriors needs unless they were to make a further deal involving the assets.