Jonathan Kuminga should be aware that he isn’t an untouchable asset this season.
While the NBA champion forward signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Golden State Warriors before training camp, he’ll likely be shopped around as the franchise looks to upgrade its roster before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Impressively, an NBA analyst has the perfect midseason replacement for Kuminga.
“Is (Lauri) Markkanen not realistic (as a trade target in a hypothetical Kuminga deal),” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said last Tuesday. “Markkanen is realistic for me.”
Markkanen continues to fly under the radar due to his blank playoff resume (he’s missed the postseason with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz).
However, regarding fit, the Arizona product would be a low-risk, high-reward addition to the Dubs this season.
Golden State's decision to sign Al Horford to a multi-year deal should tell the public all they need to know about what the franchise is looking for in its frontcourt contributors.
High motor, versatile, and viable pick-and-pop big men will undoubtedly appeal to the seven-time NBA champions, explaining why Simmons listed Markkanen as a potential trade option.
Markannen, a two-time All-Star, averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game with the Jazz last season, connecting on 42.3% of his field goals and 34.6% of his three-point jumpers in 47 contests (he’s a 37.1% career long-range shooter).
If the Warriors are all-in on finally parting ways with Kuminga and giving Horford more help in the frontcourt, Markkanen could soon land with the Stephen Curry-led Western Conference franchise.
More NBA: Warriors cut ties with 24-year-old NCAA champion guard