Given only 50% of Jonathan Kuminga's next contract will count as outgoing salary for the Golden State Warriors, finding reasonable value for the franchise in a sign-and-trade is becoming increasingly problematic ahead of free agency.
It's perhaps the key reason why Kuminga's return to the Warriors could be considered more likely than not, but there's still a way for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office to thread the needle by obtaining a similarly young player of significant talent.
Coby White may be the most obvious solution in a sign-and-trade
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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White has quickly emerged as a prominent trade candidate for Golden State this offseason, with the stars potentially aligning for a deal to be struck between the two teams in the coming weeks.
The [Bulls have reported interest in Kuminga](https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-kevin-durant-trade-talks-desmond-bane-jonathan-kuminga-celtics-hawks-nets/) as a target, but also face their own restricted free agency equation with young guard Josh Giddey. Given White is eligible for a significant pay rise next offseason, it's unlikely that Chicago want to pay both he and Giddey over the long-term.
Chicago could therefore have interest in a White-Kuminga swap, not because they think the Warrior forward is a markedly better player, but because he offers a threat in the front court rather than the back court.
White was again mentioned as a trade target possibility on the [latest episode](https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/possible-trade-targets-kumingas-future-thoughts-on/id1147910296?i=1000713653939) of the Warriors Plus Minus podcast, with Tim Kawakami specifically stating that he's _"the level of player we're talking about that is gettable for Kuminga."_ The 25-year-old makes just $12.9 million on the final year of his contract, making him an acquirable target in a Kuminga sign-and-trade and one that may interest Golden State.
While a guard with questionable defense may not be exactly what the Warriors need, they do need a legitimate third scorer and shot-creator to support the aging duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Kuminga does present as that solution, but White's far superior shooting skills might make him a far better fit around the current Golden State core.
He's also far more proven as a primary option within an NBA offense, with the former seventh overall pick averaging a career-high 20.1 points this season on 45.3% shooting from the floor and 37% from 3-point range.
The most ideal outcome for the Warriors may be to retain Kuminga, then trade for White separately in a deal involving their other 2021 lottery pick in Moses Moody, along with the necessary draft assets to make it happen.
Yet if it does end up as a Kuminga sign-and-trade, White may be the only solution where Warrior fans feel comfortable and appeased with what the franchise gets back for their enigmatic forward.