TL;DR
- Warriors face Jonathan Kuminga's erratic play and weak frontcourt contributions from Post and Horford.
- Bill Simmons proposed a three-team trade involving Kuminga, Coby White, and Daniel Gafford.
- Gafford, a strong Mavericks contributor, could address the Warriors' frontcourt needs.
- The hypothetical trade could send Kuminga to Chicago and Gafford to Golden State.
The Golden State Warriors have two massive concerns so far this season.
Beyond the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga concern, characterized by erratic play and unimpressive three-point accuracy, the Warriors have also seen a shortfall in frontcourt contributions from Quentin Post and Al Horford this season, contrary to expectations.
Fortunately for Golden State, Bill Simmons of The Ringer proposed a trade scenario that could resolve both of their problems, involving the hypothetical three-team deal exchanging Kuminga for a skilled 6-foot-10 Dallas Mavericks center.
“They (Mavericks) finally at least realized that Cooper Flagg, how to try to grow his career instead of ruin it,” Simmons said Tuesday. “But what if it was (Jonathan) Kuminga to Chicago, Coby White to Dallas, and then (Daniel) Gafford and an expiring to Golden State. Does anyone have to throw a pick into that trade?”
Though the Warriors might ideally target Anthony Davis from The Mavericks in a hypothetical in-season trade, Gafford presents a solid alternative.
The Arkansas native established a strong connection with Luka Doncic in Dallas prior to the Mavericks trading the 26-year-old away nine months back.
Gafford proved to be highly productive alongside Doncic, from snagging incredible lobs from him in pick-and-roll plays to finishing powerfully after receiving drop-off/dump-down passes from the 6-foot-6 maestro.
Despite Doncic's departure from The Mavericks' organization, Gafford remains a significant frontcourt contributor in Dallas, posting averages of 9.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks for the team this season.
As Kuminga's time to improve in the Bay runs out and the Warriors' frontcourt ranks among the NBA's weakest, a trade might be on the horizon.
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