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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 27: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a dunk on the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Chase Center on October 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors are stuck in a holding pattern with Jonathan Kuminga.
The February 5 deadline is approaching. Kuminga has demanded a trade. Golden State wants to move him. The problem is finding the right deal.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks have shown interest. Neither team has presented a package that makes sense for the Warriors. Golden State is holding a depreciating asset with limited options and no clear path forward.
Joe Akeley of Sports Illustrated proposed a four-team trade that would land the Warriors a young scoring wing while clearing Kuminga off the roster.
The Four-Team Trade Proposal
Warriors receive: RJ Barrett
Raptors receive: Anthony Davis, Caleb Martin
Mavericks receive: Immanuel Quickley, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors)
Jazz receive: Dwight Powell, 2032 second-round pick (via Dallas)
The trade addresses Golden State’s need for a wing while moving Kuminga to Dallas. The Toronto Raptors land the star they have been pursuing. The Mavericks get younger and add draft capital. The Utah Jazz collect assets for taking on salary.
Why the Warriors Would Consider This Trade
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesThe proposed trade would send RJ Barrett to the Golden State Warriors.
Barrett is not Trey Murphy III. He is not Michael Porter Jr.
The 25-year-old wing is averaging 19.6 points per game on 49.6% shooting and 35.5% from three. Those are solid numbers, but they do not move the Warriors into championship contention. Barrett is a fallback option, not the primary target.
But if the New Orleans Pelicans refuse to trade Murphy and the Brooklyn Nets demand too much draft capital for Porter, Barrett becomes one of the better alternatives available.
The other option frequently mentioned is Jerami Grant. Grant is 31 years old and under contract through the 2027-28 season at $34.2 million next year and $36.4 million the year after. Barrett is six years younger and his contract expires after the 2026-27 season, giving the Warriors more flexibility moving forward.
Barrett would immediately become the third scorer Golden State has been lacking. He can create his own shot, attack the rim, and stretch the floor enough to keep defenses honest. Pairing him with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green would still create spacing issues, but Barrett’s offensive versatility would at least provide another dimension the Warriors do not currently have.
The cost is a 2026 first-round pick, which could land in the late teens if Golden State continues to improve. That is not an insignificant price, but it is far less than what the Nets are reportedly asking for Porter.
Why the Other Three Teams Make This Trade
The Raptors get the star they have been chasing. According to Marc Stein, Toronto is interested in Anthony Davis. Landing the 10-time All-Star without giving up draft capital would be a win for a franchise trying to build around a proven talent. Taking on Caleb Martin’s struggling contract is the price of doing business.
Dallas gets younger and more flexible. Immanuel Quickley is overpaid at $32.5 million per season through 2028-29, but he is 26 years old and fits the timeline of building around Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks desperately need draft capital, and rerouting Barrett for a first-round pick gives them future assets. Kuminga provides upside—if he develops, Dallas has a long-term piece. If he does not, they decline his team option and move on. Shedding Martin’s contract and potentially releasing Buddy Hield saves money.
Utah plays the facilitator role. The Jazz absorb Powell’s contract to make the trade work and collect a 2032 second-round pick from Dallas. Powell would likely be released immediately. For Utah, it is a free asset.
Does This Trade Make Sense for the Warriors?
GettyJonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors.
This trade is not ideal for Golden State.
Barrett is not a star. He does not solve the Warriors’ spacing issues entirely. And giving up a first-round pick for a player who is more of a complementary piece than a difference-maker feels like an overpay.
But the Warriors are in a difficult position. Kuminga’s value has dropped. The market for him is limited. And the star wings the Warriors want are either unavailable or too expensive.
Barrett represents a middle-ground option. He is young enough to fit the Warriors’ timeline. His contract expires before the team is locked into long-term money. And he provides scoring and offensive versatility that the Warriors desperately need.
The question is whether the Warriors believe Barrett moves the needle enough to justify giving up a first-round pick. If they think he helps them compete for a playoff spot this season and provides flexibility moving forward, this trade could make sense.
If they believe they can get a better return for Kuminga by waiting, they will hold out. But the longer they wait, the more Kuminga’s value continues to drop.
Final Word for the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga’s trade value is not what it once was.
The Warriors are stuck in a difficult position. They need to move him, but the offers they have received so far have not been strong enough to accept. RJ Barrett is not the ideal solution, but he represents a realistic alternative if the Warriors cannot land Trey Murphy III or Michael Porter Jr.
This four-team trade pitch from Joe Akeley of Sports Illustrated addresses Golden State’s need for a wing while clearing Kuminga off the roster. Barrett is not a star, but he is a young, productive scorer who would give the Warriors another offensive weapon.
Whether the Warriors pull the trigger on a deal like this depends on whether they believe Barrett is worth a first-round pick. If they do, this trade makes sense. If they hold out for a better option, they risk Kuminga’s value dropping even further.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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