As the NBA’s offseason wears on, tension is mounting. The world is watching some teams, waiting for them to make a move. Meanwhile, few teams have as many eyes on them as the Portland Trail Blazers.
In time, they’re going to have to move Damian Lillard. He wants to join the Miami Heat – time will tell whether that comes to fruition. Either way, he’s going to be heading elsewhere. This situation is not sustainable, and it has to be resolved.
In time, it will be. Once that happens, the Blazers could be open for business. If the Blazers are rebuilding, they could be major players on the trade market. Any young player with potential that becomes available could be an option for them. How about Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors?
The Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Matisse Thybulle, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – POR)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, G Corey Joseph, F Trayce Jackson-Davis
It’s hard to remember now, but there was a time when the Warriors were rebuilding. Younger readers will know them as the league’s preeminent dynasty. It wasn’t always that way. The Warriors struggled for a long time.
Remember the “We Believe” Warriors? Led by Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis, this scrappy eight-seed eliminated the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round. It was an inspiring season. With that said, for a long time, it was the peak of Warriors basketball since the 1970s.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Otherwise, Warriors fans endured a lot of pain. The rest is history. Steph Curry was a steal, and Draymond Green was one of the best second-round picks in NBA history. A dynasty was born. Does this deal help the Warriors extend that dynastic run?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
There’s been a unique feature of this Warriors dynasty In between title runs, they’ve tanked a couple of seasons. As a result, the Warriors have rostered lottery picks like James Wiseman and Kuminga.
It’s an interesting dynamic. The Warriors pick in the lottery. In the next season, they’re back to contending. Suddenly, they don’t have reps to spare for young, developing lottery players. The team already traded Wiseman as a result, and by all accounts, Kuminga is ready for a change of scenery as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
If the Warriors are trading Kuminga, this would be an interesting return. Thybulle is one of the very best defensive players in the NBA. He’s got a reputation as a non-shooter, but he was sneakily efficient last season. The Warriors have a history of making use of players of his archetype. Thybulle would likely jump Gary Payton III in this team’s rotation. Should the Blazers send him to Golden State?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Typically, rebuilding teams don’t give up draft capital. This would be a bold move for the Blazers. In our opinion, it would be a move worth making.
After all, they’re only parting with a pick swap. From a pure value perspective, this is a buy-low opportunity for Portland. Meanwhile, this small market team doesn’t like to rebuild for long. If the Blazers play their cards right, this swap won’t even convey.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Meanwhile, this deal would give them one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. Kuminga would be joining Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. The potential of that core is enormous. Keep an eye on the Blazers – eventually, they’re going to have to release some tension.
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