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Grade the Trade: Crazy Jonathan Kuminga mock deal is a hard no for Golden State Warriors

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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Jonathan Kuminga is headed for a crucial third NBA season, one that could ultimately make-or-break his career at the Golden State Warriors.

After speculation regarding his future in the immediate aftermath of the Warriors’ season, the franchise appears eager to provide Kuminga with the necessary opportunity to let him flourish in 2023-24.

Jonathan Kuminga continues to be the Golden State Warriors’ biggest trade asset, with trade proposals regularly suggested as a result.

Although the chances of Kuminga being dealt in the offseason now appears incredibly unlikely, the fate of his long-term future at Golden State is still far from certain. Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz projected the talented forward as the Warrior most likely to be moved by the February trade deadline, owing to Kuminga’s value and the franchise’s win-now approach.

"“Now it’s time for the Warriors to pick a side. And they did exactly that with the acquisition of Chris Paul and the re-signing of Draymond (Green). Kuminga could be the next young player on the move after Golden State decided to move on from James Wiseman and Jordan Poole recently”, Saenz wrote."

Kuminga’s situation continues to garner trade proposals from fans and analysts, although his $6.01 million contract for next season makes it difficult to find equitable value. Most Kuminga trade suggestions usually return the Warriors a star-level player, but that’s not possible without adding a higher salary into the mix like Chris Paul.

Golden State aren’t going to be overly interested in draft capital given their contending status. That, of course, is under the assumption that the draft assets won’t be immediately on-traded for a win-now piece.

The complexity of the situation makes it difficult to envisage a Kuminga trade, at least right now where the franchise retains high expectations for their 2021 lottery pick. However, in a recent mock trade, NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey suggests the Warriors move Kuminga to the rebuild-ready Portland Trail Blazers. So, let’s evaluate the validity of this proposal.

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