In an unexpected three-team blockbuster deal, the Miami Heat acquired Norman Powell, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired John Collins, and the Utah Jazz acquired Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, and a 2027 second-round pick on Monday.
While the Golden State Warriors had nothing to deal, Blue Man Hoop’s Tyler Watts believes the franchise’s 6-foot-7 forward, Jonathan Kuminga, could be impacted by the move.
Specifically, Watts has a hunch that the Dubs could send Kuminga to the Jazz via a sign-and-trade.
"The Golden State Warriors may lose Jonathan Kuminga to the Utah Jazz after the stunning John Collins three-team trade created an avenue for them to have cap space,” Watts wrote Monday.
"Bobby Marks noted they will likely stay over the cap, but the Jazz have a $26.6 million trade exception too. With Kuminga dangling in free agency as the best available player, Utah may try to swoop in and steal the 22-year-old.”
"The Dubs have the right to match any contract, but they shouldn’t. The fit just isn’t there, and the Dubs can’t pay a significant price for an occasional role player. Kuminga may have an option he did not think was available."
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"The Jazz are a young team with shots and touches to fill. It could be his chance to shine, and Utah just created room to make a move.”
Kuminga’s future with the Warriors couldn’t be more uncertain.
A sign-and-trade seems to be the most likely option for Kuminga, but there’s also a possibility that the franchise could bring the 22-year-old pro back for his fifth season in the Bay.
To Kuminga’s credit, he left a lasting impression on the Dubs in the second round of the 2025 postseason.
With Stephen Curry sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the former first-round pick delivered.
Kuminga averaged 20.8 points per game on 54.3% field goal shooting and 42.1% from downtown in Golden State’s 4-1 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Still, it’s impossible to ignore Steve Kerr’s refusal to play Kuminga down the stretch of the regular season, indicating the two aren’t on the same page.
There’s no question Kuminga is the biggest mystery of the offseason.
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