The NBA’s lottery system exists for a reason. In theory, it’s supposed to be the mechanism that helps the league’s worst teams improve. Usually, that’s how it works. Usually.
Not always. Sometimes, contending teams tank a single season to improve their lottery odds. In that event, a contender ends up adding a blue chip prospect.
It doesn’t always work out well. A contending team can struggle to find meaningful minutes for a young player. For example, look at Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors haven’t given him the opportunities a lottery pick expects, and now, he may want out. Could he land on the Utah Jazz this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, 2025 First-Round Pick (MIN via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga
On the other hand, some teams exploit the lottery system more than others do. It’s a trade-off. Some will argue that tanking is the best means of acquiring young talent. It may be. Still, others will say that tanking creates a losing culture that can neutralize that talent.
It’s a judgment call. Meanwhile, it seems to be one that the Jazz have already made. This team was widely expected to tank ahead of the 2022-23 season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Utah Jazz Updates
They did not. The Jazz were a decent team, but they were decidedly not title contenders. Still, this team has a surplus of draft capital that they could go in a number of directions with. Is this a good use of a first-round pick?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz have a simple reason for doing this deal. They can give Kuminga an opportunity, and he’s got a lot of upside. Sure, the Jazz have a lot of talent. To be specific, they have a lot of front-court talent. Still, outside of Lauri Markkanen, none of the players on their current roster should take priority over a prospect like Kuminga.
Besides, they’re shedding some of that frontcourt talent here by moving Olynyk. Kuminga can co-exist with Lauri Markkanen. That’s all that matters here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Utah Jazz Updates
Does this deal make Utah better next season? In all likelihood, no. Giving Kuminga room to develop his game isn’t a win-now strategy. Still, acquiring him raises their upside considerably. Should the Warriors let him go?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Here’s the question: when will the Warriors prioritize Kuminga? Framed differently, when will the Warriors move towards a future-focused outlook? Are they going to next season? In all likelihood, they are not.
Will Kuminga be content to watch another year of his career mostly take place on the bench? We’re dubious. In other words, the Warriors probably ought to move Kuminga this season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Utah Jazz Updates
If they agree, this is a good return. Olynyk is a floor-spacing big who plays solid defense. He’ll be a meaningful part of their rotation next season. Throw in an unprotected first, and this is a good trade for the Warriors. If they’re lucky, that pick will land in the lottery.
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