Players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas, and Josh Giddey have had a tough time coming to an agreement with their teams. With each franchise offering significantly less than they expected, the three players have effectively been in a state of limbo.
This year's offseason has been particularly challenging for teams with restricted free agents. The constraints of the second luxury tax apron have forced teams to drive a hard bargain with these players, leading to significant complications during contract negotiations.
Players like Kuminga and Thomas have had it particularly bad, primarily because they expressed their desire to be traded, too.
Unfortunately, the market for the Nets guard has been quiet. This has pushed him into a corner. Meanwhile, offers have been made for Kuminga. But the Warriors have effectively declined them, expressing their intentions of retaining the forward.
With no deals being made for any of the players, the teams have also faced challenges in making additional moves. To address these challenges, Sports Illustrated's Mark Morales-Smith presented an interesting three-team trade proposal featuring the Golden State Warriors, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls.
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Nikola Vucevic, first-round pick
Golden State Warriors Receive: Cam Thomas
Chicago Bulls Receive: Nic Claxton, second-round pick
Each team involved appears to benefit from this trade in some form. Let's examine the impact on each team.
The Nets Acquire Their Star
This trade could have significant implications for the Brooklyn Nets. By moving on from Cam Thomas, the Nets effectively acquire a star-caliber player in Jonathan Kuminga, along with a solid veteran big man in Nikola Vucevic.
Acquiring Kuminga could be viewed as a positive, considering the way the Nets have been constructed this offseason. By pairing the talented young forward with a player like Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn would feature an extremely potent frontcourt duo.
At 22 years old, with impressive physical tools and a lot of room to grow, Kuminga has the potential to be a legitimate offensive threat.
Last season, the Warriors forward recorded an average of 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on shooting splits of 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. When considering how restricted his opportunities to score were in the overall scheme of things, the 22-year-old would certainly have more room to operate in Brooklyn.
On a relatively weaker team, he could also have the opportunity to establish himself as a key rotation player, setting the foundation for his rise to stardom.
This trade also signals the arrival of Nikola Vucevic, who is on an expiring contract. Although the Nets would benefit from this aspect, he also brings much more to the table, especially in the absence of Nic Claxton.
Vucevic is one of the most versatile big men in the league. The two-time All-Star has already established himself as a capable offensive and rebounding force.
On the Nets' roster, the 34-year-old would solidify the frontcourt with his expansive skill set. With an average of 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 53.0% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range last season, he could become one of their most significant contributors.
Although Brooklyn's defense would take a hit with these acquisitions, they would be geared to become a high-octane, offensive-minded unit.
The Warriors Acquire A Legitimate Scoring Threat
Acquiring Cam Thomas could be quite beneficial for the Golden State Warriors for multiple reasons.
When looking at Golden State's current depth, it is quite clear that they are lacking in scoring prowess in the backcourt. By acquiring Thomas, the Warriors address a critical need.
Thomas' addition also has merit as a scoring punch. With Kuminga on the way out, the Dubs will be lacking in offensive production. In this regard, Thomas has proven himself to be far more capable than Kuminga when given the opportunity.
Last season, Thomas recorded an average of 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. When also factoring in his ability to create his own shots along with his clutch shooting ability, the 23-year-old displays more offensive upside than Kuminga.
This could be viewed positively, but acquiring Thomas poses some challenges as well.
Given his approach to offense, Thomas may act outside of the Warriors' offensive system, which could prove to be counterproductive. There is also a chance that he may not be in the starting rotation. This could lead to a drop-off in productivity, along with some dissatisfaction.
However, if he is capable of adapting to the Warriors' schemes, the 23-year-old could expand his horizons as a player, learning from one of the best players in the game in Stephen Curry.
The Bulls Acquire A Young Center
The Chicago Bulls stand to gain the least from this trade idea. Regardless, after parting ways with Vucevic, acquiring a capable young center in Nic Claxton will be viewed positively.
Claxton is an athletic big man with a lot of defensive upside. At only 26 years old, he matches the Bulls' current timeline with players such as Coby White and Matas Buzelis.
The Nets center is quite different from Vucevic, which may prove to be a positive trait for Chicago. As a shot-blocking big man, Claxton brings much-needed rim protection to this Bulls team. Additionally, he could be effective in shoring up the rebounding front and acting as a solid rim-runner and pick-and-roll lob threat.
Last season, Claxton recorded an average of 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. While it is unlikely that his productivity will increase in Chicago, he could thrive as the team's defensive anchor, helping them transform into a more balanced unit as well.
Kuminga And Thomas Are Unlikely To Be Moved
As promising as the trade is for the teams involved, it is unlikely for Kuminga and Thomas to be moved this offseason.
The Warriors have made their intentions to retain Kuminga clear to the teams interested in him. When considering their best offer to the forward, however, it is also clear that Kuminga wasn't satisfied with it.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas has also received a lowball offer from the Nets. When considering his $40 million contract demand, the substantial difference is bound to be unsatisfactory.
At the current juncture, both players have shown an inclination toward accepting the qualifying offer to play out the season. This is primarily to avoid the team option in the final year of the offers presented to them.
Accepting the qualifying offer would allow them to enter free agency next summer, which seems to be the ideal outcome given the current circumstances.
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