Warriors trade idea swaps Jonathan Kuminga for six-time All-Star forward

Caleb Hightower

Warriors trade idea swaps Jonathan Kuminga for six-time All-Star forward image

Don’t rule out the possibility of the Golden State Warriors trading Jonathan Kuminga just yet. 

The Dubs will retain the young pro to begin the 2025-26 season after signing him to a two-year, $48.5 million contract.

That said, with Golden State contacting numerous franchises on Kuminga’s behalf during the summer, it’s only a matter of time before it ramps up trade talks about the 6-foot-7 reserve.

In Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey’s opinion, the Warriors should consider swapping Kuminga for a six-time All-Star forward before the trade deadline passes. 

“The Sacramento Kings were one of the teams most commonly linked to Kuminga throughout the summer, but a sign-and-trade was complicated by a rule that made salary-matching difficult,” Bailey wrote Tuesday.

“That rule won't apply in January and February, and Kuminga's salary came in at a very tradable number. If the Kings could land him for DeMar DeRozan and some draft capital, a deal might make sense for both sides.”

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“Kuminga and the Warriors, even after today's deal, seem destined for a breakup. The partnership never had the heartwarming reconciliation at the end of just about every romcom. It's been almost entirely conflict.”

From a winning standpoint, DeRozan hasn’t had the best luck since leaving the Toronto Raptors in 2018. The USC product has only reached the postseason twice in seven seasons, but has still posted impressive numbers as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Kings.

The knock-down mid-range specialist and willing late-game closer averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game with a Kings squad that nearly earned a playoff spot, shooting 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from three.

Some may question DeRozan’s ability to be effective in a Warriors system that’s all about giving opponents fits from beyond the arc, and they would be correct in doing so. 

However, if Jimmy Butler, who’s also at his best when elevating from pull-jumpers, can find a way to give the Dubs high-level minutes nightly, so can DeRozan in a hypothetical midseason trade.

More NBA: Knicks sign 6-foot-6 former Warriors guard to assist Jalen Brunson

Caleb Hightower

Caleb Hightower is a graduate of Hofstra University who can write about any sport, but he has a particular passion for basketball – specifically college and NBA. He has written for publications such as FanBuzz and Busting Brackets since graduating.