When the Golden State Warriors traded James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons before the midseason NBA deadline, it was a little surprising for everyone.
For the Warriors, it was an admission of error. They received Gary Payton III and some second-round picks in exchange for a player they’d recently selected second overall. Obviously, that wasn’t an optimal outcome.
For the Pistons, it was just a little bit puzzling. Jalen Duren was in the midst of a strong rookie season. Why did they trade for another young big man?
Well, perhaps general manager Troy Weaver isn’t thinking about fit. He may simply be looking to accumulate as much young talent on one roster as he possibly can. If so, would he flip Bojan Bogdanovic for Jonathan Kuminga?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga, G/F Moses Moody
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
In some ways, that trade boils down to a philosophical difference about team building. What philosophy did the Warriors use to build their dynasty?
Opinions will vary. Some will say that the Warriors gradually added pieces that fit until they started to click. Others will suggest that those people have a selective memory.
After all, it wasn’t so long ago that the Warriors were built around a scoring guard. No, not Steph Curry. Monta Ellis was the future of Warriors basketball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Golden State Warriors & Detroit Pistons Updates
The Warriors drafted Curry anyway. They gave themselves the opportunity to choose between them. By now, we all know how that choice worked out. Should the Pistons add Kuminga to their mix with the same logic?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Realistically, it depends on what the Pistons see in Kuminga. If they’re put off by his first couple of seasons of NBA basketball, that’s understandable. Kuminga hasn’t shown much. At the same time, he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, either.
After all, the Warriors have been contending. That doesn’t bode well for a young, raw prospect like Kuminga. By contrast, he should find more opportunities in Detroit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Golden State Warriors & Detroit Pistons Updates
Will he be handed anything? No. Kuminga may be competing with Ausar Thompson and Marvin Bagley III for minutes. For Detroit, this is about finding the right combination of young guys, and moving forward with it. Should the Warriors give them those options?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Some will say that the Warriors would have fit concerns following this deal as well. Fair enough. After all, the Warriors just retained Draymond Green. They’ve also got Andrew Wiggins. Do they really have room for another wing?
We think so. Perhaps Bogdanovic could function as a sixth man. With Green’s ability to man the 5, the Warriors would be able to find ample minutes for Bogdanovic. Otherwise, he’s a perfect fit for this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Golden State Warriors & Detroit Pistons Updates
Adding an elite floor spacing wing like Bogdanovic would open up a Warriors offense that’s already wide open. If this team wants to make another title push next season, this would be a tremendous upgrade. There’d be no confusion about the Warriors’ motivations here.
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