The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a potential landing spot for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, according to a recent CBS Sports report.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Warriors are expected to make every effort to move the fifth-year player, and Milwaukee’s urgency could give Golden State the leverage it needs to secure the return it wants.
Kuminga has largely run out of opportunities with the Warriors, logging only nine minutes of play since December 7. On the first day he became eligible for a trade, he formally asked to be moved from the team.
Finding the right trade partner for Golden State is a challenge. His two-year, $47 million contract makes him appealing on the surface, yet the Warriors must locate a team willing to take a chance on the young forward without demanding excessive future draft assets, while also delivering a player capable of making an immediate impact.
Jonathan Kuminga’s fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks
Mar 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) smiles after the Warriors made a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors primary goal in a Kuminga trade is to land a third scorer who can complement Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler on offense. Their most promising target so far has been Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets, but with Brooklyn uninterested in absorbing Kuminga’s contract, completing a deal has proven difficult.
The Bucks offer an alternative path. They expressed some interest in Kuminga during last offseason’s contract negotiations with the Warriors, but they were never viewed as serious contenders.
With a 17-24 record and 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the threat of Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving casts a heavy shadow over the franchise. In response, Milwaukee has been connected to nearly every available star in what appears to be a frantic attempt to retain their franchise leader.
Jan 13, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) drives against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Kuminga isn’t a star, but his upside could give the Bucks a noticeable lift, potentially convincing Antetokounmpo to remain, at least temporarily. In exchange, Milwaukee could send back a key piece of their own: veteran forward Bobby Portis.
Portis might not provide the scoring punch the Bucks ideally want, but he would give them a significant lift in the frontcourt, particularly with spacing. The Warriors have shown interest in Portis before, and if no other deal for Kuminga comes together, Milwaukee’s willingness to make a bold move could make this trade Golden State’s most viable option.