February has finally arrived, meaning the NBA trade deadline is officially right around the corner.
Feb. 5 is the last day franchises are eligible to make a splash on the trade market and give themselves a boost moving forward.
On Saturday, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, and Chicago Bulls completed a three-team deal that should benefit all parties involved.
Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley believes the Golden State Warriors could be the next team to complete a trade, as he suggested that a Jonathan Kuminga-centered deal for a recently traded 6-foot-7 forward could soon occur.
“The Sacramento Kings reportedly have a new three-and-D wing,” Akeley wrote Sunday. “ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday that the Kings acquired De'Andre Hunter from the Cavaliers for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team trade.”
“It's entirely possible that the Kings simply love Hunter and plan to keep him. Kings insider James Ham reported that Sacramento is excited about pairing Hunter with Keegan Murray, which I have no reason to dispute.”
“But don't be shocked if the Kings reroute Hunter for Jonathan Kuminga before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
Hunter should be regarded as a last-resort trade option for the Warriors. Considering the Warriors are shorthanded (Jimmy Butler is out for the year with an ACL injury), the organization has a clear incentive to go big before the deadline.
Landing Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the ultimate jackpot, but acquiring Hunter could be a viable consolation prize for a Warriors squad in desperate need of another valuable piece.
The Dubs could find themselves waiting until the final day of the deadline to adjust their roster.
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