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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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Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbling the ball while closely defended by Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbling the ball while closely defended by Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors Receive: Matisse Thybulle, 2029 First-Round Pick Swap

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Cory Joseph, Trayce Jackson-Davis

Portland are in a state of flux right now as they navigate through the situation with their superstar Damian Lillard. The franchise legend has requested a trade, leaving them ready for a full-blown rebuild should they eventually accommodate his wishes.

Until that point it’s difficult to analyze what the Trail Blazers could do in regard to future moves. However, it’s fair to suggest they’d have interest in someone like Kuminga once the post-Lillard era begins.

Kuminga could join Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe to create an incredibly talented and uber athletic young trio. The former seventh overall pick wouldn’t necessarily become the main offensive option, but he would receive far greater opportunity with Portland than he likely will with Golden State.

In this projected deal, the 2029 first-round pick swap is far enough down the line to suggest that the Trail Blazers will have returned to a playoff team by that point. From a pessimistic standpoint, Kuminga may never develop into the player he hopes and Portland continue to struggle as a result. They may remain a lottery team for the rest of the decade and end up gifting the Warriors a top three pick. Yet with the talent of Henderson, Sharpe and potentially Kuminga, you’d back in their capacity to return to a high-level team.

Unfortunately for the Trail Blazers, what they give up in this deal is far from what it’ll take to convince the Warriors to make a move.

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