Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
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Steve Kerr shares his plan for Jonathan Kuminga after the Golden State Warriors' Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Jonathan Kuminga situation for the Golden State Warriors is getting a bit interesting. The youngster has proven to be a decent player in the NBA, but he wants an expanded role, and unfortunately, the Warriors simply can’t offer him that.
It was also clear last year that Steve Kerr didn’t trust him much, as evidenced by his limited role. The Warriors are expected to pursue sign-and-trade deals with the youngster, and Sports Illustrated recently proposed a favorable one. The trade would be a three-team deal, sending Kuminga to the Miami Heat.
“Hawks Receive: Moses Moody, 2031 2nd round pick (via GSW), 2032 2nd round pick (via GSW)
Warriors Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson, Mo Gueye, 2031 first-round pick (top-8 protected)
Heat Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (S&T on 4 YR, $80 M contract), Trayce Jackson-Davis
“Wiggins was only sent out in the Jimmy Butler deal because of the opportunity cost of bringing a player like Butler onboard. If they were able to pair Curry with Wiggins, Butler and Green, that gives the Warriors three capable defenders on the perimeter while also giving them a capable third option in a stacked Western Conference. Larsson has the size to play either SF or SG, which means he can step into Moody’s role.
“The Swedish guard played good defense against small guards and big wings, showing signs of being a viable player in the postseason. Importantly, he’s also a great cutter and should fit smoothly into Golden State’s system,”they wrote.
What Kind of Interest Is Kuminga Drawing Around the League?
According to a recent report from The Athletic, there has been no significant interest in Kuminga over the past few days.
It was reported that over the weekend, Kuminga hasn’t gained any traction on either side, which is somewhat telling about the Golden State Warriors’ plans.
Considering there’s no market, one can now question why they wouldn’t just bring him back.
“No significant traction on the Jonathan Kuminga front over the weekend, per sources. Restricted free agency around the NBA remains ice cold. Conversations and little action. Kings have been strongest pursuer of Warriors’ wing, but nothing has come close,”Anthony Slater reported.
What Offers Have the Warriors Received So Far?
The Golden State Warriors have gotten offers from teams around the league, including the Sacramento Kings. According to The Athletic, the Warriors balked at the idea of them landing Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks for Kuminga.
“That gives them a level of leverage in a market devoid of significant cap space. They’ve drawn inbound calls in recent days, most notably from the Sacramento Kings, who floated an offer of Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-round picks, league sources said. The Warriors have so far balked at what they felt was a buy-low attempt, league sources said.”
Reports have indicated that the Warriors are interested in adding a first-round pick and a young player. However, it’s also fair to wonder if that’s realistic.
Kuminga is a young player, and if they don’t trust him, what else could they want?
There’s a lot that has to play out during the offseason, and of course, there’s plenty of time to figure things out, but the Warriors are in a strange position right now, and that’s tough to deny.