Different NBA teams have different priorities. All 30 of the league’s teams are in different places. Sometimes, that can make for awkward situations. For example, a contending team may not have the bandwidth to offer young players opportunities. That’s the nature of the game.
Just look at the Golden State Warriors. This team has plenty of intriguing young talent. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to give some of their players the opportunities they may deserve.
Jonathan Kuminga is the most pressing example. With that in mind, there’s been buzz that the recent lottery pick would prefer to play for a different team. How about the Charlotte Hornets?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Cody Martin, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga
On the other hand, every front office has the same end goal. All 30 teams are hoping to win an NBA championship. Every team just has a different window. Some teams are planning every move around the possibility of winning a title in the next season or two. Others have to take a long view.
In that sense, the NBA is no different from any market. Resources are scarce. Logically speaking, there can’t be 30 top-5 players. Some teams have to be better than others.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
So, some teams prepare for the future. For example, the Hornets are hoping that, in time, LaMelo Ball can be a top-5 player that leads them to a title. Should they pair him with Kuminga?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Some Hornets fans will have reservations about this move. They’d prefer that their team start closing that contention window. Sure. Meanwhile, Martin is a low-usage, 3-and-D wing who could help them right now. Moreover, why is a rebuilding team giving up an unprotected first-round pick?
We hear you. There are concerns here. On the other hand, the potential is too high to ignore. This move raises the Hornets’ ceiling to a considerable degree.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Ball and Kuminga could be a devastating tandem in transition. In half-court sets, Brandon Miller feels like the perfect compliment to each as an elite shooter. All told, this deal would give the Hornets one of the brightest young cores in the NBA. Should the Warriors put them in that position?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
It depends. What do the Warriors plan on doing with Kuminga? Did they plan on featuring him this year? If so, they should keep him. Still, something tells us that isn’t the plan.
After all, this would be Kuminga’s first season with high usage. That’s not a recipe for winning. Meanwhile, the Warriors have a title window that is currently open – and won’t be for much longer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Charlotte Hornets Updates
So, flipping Kuminga for a low-usage 3-and-D wing makes sense. Considering that they also recoup some draft capital in this deal, it’s a no-brainer for the Warriors. It just makes sense in their current situation.
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