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NBA Draft Rumors: Who Golden State Warriors could be targeting in potential Kuminga trade

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during action against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors’ fans were left reeling on Wednesday with reports that the franchise could be using young forward Jonathan Kuminga as trade bait in order to move up in next week’s NBA Draft.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony in his most recent mock draft, “sources tell ESPN the Warriors are exploring the option of acquiring a high draft pick in exchange for a young prospect such as Kuminga.”

The Golden State Warriors could be targeting one of the Thompson twins, Amen or Ausar, should Jonathan Kuminga yield them a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Many fans were stunned by the news that the Warriors, having spent two years developing Kuminga, could be on the precipice of dealing him for another younger talent. Speaking on the report, Locked on Warriors host Cyrus Saatsaz provided some context on who Golden State could be targeting if a deal were to take place.

"“As nonsensical as it is, the Warriors right now, from what I’m hearing, are reportedly shopping Jonathan Kuminga with the goal of moving up in the draft to get one of the Thompson twins.”"

So, who are the Thompson twins? They’re Amen and Ausar — brothers who played together for Overtime Elite in the NBA G League this season. Both are expected to be taken within the first handful of selections in next week’s draft, meaning the Warriors may have their work cut out in acquiring a pick high enough to obtain one of them.

Has Jonathan Kuminga played his last game for the Golden State Warriors? (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Has Jonathan Kuminga played his last game for the Golden State Warriors? (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

ESPN currently has Amen — a 6’7″ combo guard with elite size, athleticism and playmaking — going pick four to the Houston Rockets. Ausar, who many see as more of a two-way off-ball threat at this stage, is projected to go to the Orlando Magic two selections later.

Despite showing significant improvement as one of Golden State’s better individual stories throughout the regular season, it’s unlikely that Kuminga has risen in value from a player the franchise selected with pick seven in the draft two years ago.

That means the Warriors would likely need to add an asset or two with Kuminga to even tempt a team like the Magic to give up pick six, and even more to tempt the Rockets with pick four. It would be an audacious and risky bid — one that many fans would be left bewildered by should it eventuate.

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The Warriors appear willing to move forward with their aging core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in order to maintain championship contention. Adding a Thompson twin, despite their immense talent, would seem to go against their overall strategy of trying to win a title again next season.

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