Another health concern for Kristaps Porzingis has led to trade speculation before the season even gets underway, but comparing the Golden State Warriors center and his situation to Jonathan Kuminga 12 months ago is unfair.
The Warriors, and particularly head coach Steve Kerr, need Porzingis to be healthy, available and playing well. He’s clearly the number one center on a team that will otherwise rely on a 40-year-old Al Horford in year 20 and on a minutes restriction.
Kristaps Porzingis trade comparison with Jonathan Kuminga is unfair
One rival executive reportedly told Brett Siegel of Clutch Points that Porzingis' situation is similar to that of Kuminga last year, with both entering on effectively expiring contracts that were likely to be moved before February’s mid-season trade deadline.
A healthy Porzingis is still arguably the second-most important offensive player for Golden State, at least until six time All-Star Jimmy Butler returns in January at the earliest. This is not an on-court issue with Porzingis, leaving his presence as a trade candidate nowhere near as clear cut as it was with Kuminga 12 months ago.
Golden State did need Kuminga to develop and become a pillar of the franchise after investing the seventh overall pick. Kerr never saw it that way and the young forward, as a result, was rarely one of the most important players in the rotation.
Kuminga was eventually traded for Porzingis at February’s mid-season deadline, with the front office undoubtedly and understandably believing that the Latvian big man could have more impact on the floor than what Kuminga was able to consistently produce.
Warriors need to find an alternative center if they trade Kristaps Porzingis
The key difference here is that by the time Kuminga was traded, he was completely out of the rotation despite a positive start to the season where he was in a starting role. That meant the Warriors were effectively getting an upgrade with whoever they targeted regardless of position.
Porzingis, meanwhile, occupies an important role as the team's starting center. If they're going to trade the 31-year-old, it will need to be for an alternative starting big, or be part of multiple moves that lands them a reliable starting five.
That's why it's unfair to compare the two situations, though it is true that Porzingis could be a trade candidate if he can't get healthy and play consistently for the Warriors to open an important period for both player and franchise.
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