Jonathan Kuminga’s potential is still carrying his reputation. The fifth-year forward has consistently failed to earn the trust of Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, and so far this year he’s been producing like one of the worst players in the league (12th percentile in EPM). The Warriors still didn’t want to cut bait on the talented 23-year-old, so they signed him to a two-year, $46 million contract over the summer with the intent of trading him eventually. Kuminga has been fully out of Golden State rotation for the last month as he became trade eligible on Jan. 15, and he has unsurprisingly “demanded” to be traded to a new team.
The Warriors payed Kuminga handsomely mostly to use him as trade bait, but at this point they need to realize he likely won’t be used to acquire something resembling the missing piece for the team’s flawed roster. Golden State reportedly doesn’t want to take back any long-term salary in the deal, and at this point that might be their only reasonable hope. It’s starting to feel like the best the Warriors can do here is some expiring contracts and maybe a second-round pick or two. Golden State could continue to hold Kuminga hostage in hopes of finding a trade partner this summer, but he’s not going to be able to grow him value on the bench.
Here’s three fake Jonathan Kuminga trades ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Add some future second-round picks to all of these. Warning: none of these are very good for the Warriors.
Jonathan Kuminga to Lakers trade idea with Nets
The Lakers reportedly have some interest in Kuminga, but it’s hard to come up with a deal that works straight up between the two teams due the arcane rules around the forward’s “base year compensation.” I wanted to get the Warriors Jake LaRavia in this deal, so I included the Nets as a third team, who could conceivably pick up multiple future second-round picks for taking on a pair of expiring contracts by make the numbers work. LaRavia hasn’t been great this year (41st percentile EPM), but he has a combination of size, shooting, and IQ on the wing that could entice Golden State. Highsmith is currently recovering from a torn meniscus, but he’s shown some level of competency as a two-way forward when he’s been healthy. The Lakers get a chance to give Kuminga a more defined role, and maybe they turn him in to a solid rotation piece the same way they’ve done with Rui Hachimura. I think this one makes sense for all sides.
Jonathan Kuminga to Kings trade idea with Bulls
The Kings have consistently been mentioned as Kuminga’s biggest suitor, but Golden State’s hesitance to take on Malik Monk’s long-term money has killed the deal to this point. In this three-team trade, the Chicago Bulls jump in to take Monk, clearing the way for Kuminga to Sacramento. The Warriors are getting a pair of failed first-round picks in this deal with Devin Carer and Dalen Terry. Terry is a pretty good wing defender who can’t do much on offense, and he expires after this season. Carter is in his second season, and the 3-and-D skill set that made him a lottery pick coming out of college has yet to translate. Maybe the Warriors think they can resurrect Carter’s career, while the Bulls land a microwave scoring guard that allows them to trade Coby White before they would have to re-sign him this summer.
Jonathan Kuminga to Mavericks trade idea
The Mavs reportedly have interest in Kuminga, and I could help myself but use that as an excuse to send Klay Thompson back to the Bay. Golden State might not love Thompson having another season at $16 million on the books after this year, but maybe they could trade him again this summer for a piece that fits better. There’s always a chance Thompson can catch fire and swing a playoff game again for Golden State, and that’s just fun to think about. I don’t see much downside here for either team.
Could Golden State package a future first-round pick or two with Kuminga to try to get Michael Porter Jr.? That’s a possibility too, but I’m not sure Brooklyn will play ball for only one pick, and I don’t think the Warriors will offer two. Add your favorite fake Kuminga trades below and I’ll judge them.
