The Golden State Warriors are presumably closing in on a Jonathan Kuminga trade, as the bouncy swingman will finally (mercifully) become trade-eligible on Jan. 15. While the entire NBA trade seemingly knows a trade is coming, that doesn't mean every single trade option makes sense for this squad.
And that's important to note, because the Dubs really need to get this right. They have an uber-talented tandem in Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, but that duo needs (and deserves) a better supporting cast around it. Sending out Kuminga can help make that happen, but only if Golden State uncovers the right trade.
With his value presumably slipping after being removed from the rotation, teams will inevitably come calling with lowball offers. If the Warriors aren't careful, their solution to the Kuminga problem might bring about more questions than answers if they wind up doing anything like the following three (unfortunately realistic) disaster deals.
Trade 1: Kuminga to Sacramento for underwhelming return
While the Kings seemingly want Kuminga, the Warriors seem less than enthralled with what they have to offer. If they wanted Malik Monk—a theoretical scratch for their support scoring and downhill attacking itches—they could've had him months ago.
On particularly rough nights for Golden State's offense, you can almost squint and see Monk providing real oomph for a roster that struggles to consistently coax that out of its non-stars. But his contract is an eyesore, and his play style is anything but a perfect fit. He could wind up standing out for all the wrong reasons the way players like Dennis Schroder and Kelly Oubre Jr. have in past seasons.
Sweeteners would clearly be needed to grease the wheels for a trade here, but the return isn't nearly rich enough for Golden State. Devin Carter has done next to nothing since being selected 13th overall in the 2024 draft, and there's an uncomfortably decent chance that these two second-round picks wouldn't amount to much of anything.
Trade 2: Kuminga to Chicago for one-way center
The Bulls, who haven't leaned hard enough into an inevitable roster reset, have been linked to Kuminga. And you'd think this would be their preferred path to get him, since the 35-year-old Vucevic would have no place in a youth movement.
Again, you can see where Vucevic could help. A stretch center will be a need for as long as Golden State features both Butler and Draymond Green in the frontcourt, plus Vucevic could provide size, support scoring, and more than a pinch of playmaking.
All of that said, the Warriors should be making a Kuminga trade with the postseason in mind, and there's an obvious worry about opponents using Vucevic's defensive limitations as a way to scheme him off of the floor. If he wouldn't be around to help Golden State in its most important minutes, then how much help would he actually provide?
Trade 3: Kuminga and more for injured forward
The Blazers "have been linked to Kuminga," per Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, who opined that Grant "makes sense" for Golden State. You can sort of see O'Connor's angle here, but it's less about making sense and more about making the best of a brutal situation.
Stylistically, Grant would be an OK fit. He offers some versatility on the defensive end and creation on offense, and he has made huge strides with his outside shot (39 percent since the start of 2022-23). That said, he isn't healthy (Achilles tendonitis), remains overpaid, and hasn't played meaningful basketball in years (last playoff appearance in 2020).
Oh, and with the Warriors hard-capped at the second apron, Grant's salary would require another meaningful subtraction in addition to Kuminga to get a deal done. In this case, that sacrifice would be Moses Moody, whose 27 starts rank fourth-highest on the team. At that point, the juice just isn't worth the squeeze.