If the Golden State Warriors value their slim championship window, they’ll maximize the rest of the trade season.
There’s no question that trade is needed in the Bay, and with the Dubs possessing enough appealing assets to land a game-changing contributor, they shouldn’t hesitate to make a move sooner rather than later.
In an alluring trade idea created by Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Toporek, the Dubs would send their $148.5 million championship duo to the Philadelphia 76ers for a nine-time All-Star.
“While the Warriors are now posturing about their willingness to keep (Jonathan) Kuminga past the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline and shop him around in the offseason, it would be in all parties' best interest for Kuminga to find a new home in the next few weeks,” Toporek wrote Thursday.
“Could the Sixers get in on the bidding? Never say never with Sixers team president Daryl Morey, particularly when it comes to buying low on a potentially high-ceiling player. However, Kuminga's current contract and the Sixers' top-heavy salary structure would make it challenging.”
“Kuminga is earning $22.5 million this season. The Sixers have only three players earning more than that: Joel Embiid ($55.2 million), Paul George ($51.6 million), and Tyrese Maxey ($38.0 million).”
“The Warriors did pursue a sign-and-trade with George during the 2024 offseason before he signed with the Sixers, but they'd almost have to include Draymond Green ($25.9 million) in any George deal for salary-matching reasons, which is likely a non-starter for them.”
While George’s burst off the dribble and elite scoring prowess are no longer elite, the Fresno State product can still be a positive asset on the hardwood when healthy.
George, who signed a four-year deal with the 76ers in 2025 and has served as the franchise’s No. 3 scoring option, is contributing 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season while shooting 41.5% from the field and 37.1% from deep.
However, with the Warriors being hesitant to part with Green, their do-it-all forward who’s helped them win four championships since the start of the 2014-15 season, there’s a good chance the Dubs and 76ers won’t become trade partners.
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