When an NBA player is unhappy, they tend to let the world know. In all likelihood, they’re looking to land on another team. A smart player may look to the media to put the word out – he wants to play for someone else.
It seems like Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors is pretty smart. Reports are indicating that he’s lost trust in head coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga feels that he could reach his potential elsewhere.
All of which makes him a strong trade candidate. Kuminga could easily land on a different team by this year’s deadline. Here are three teams that we think should take a look at him.
San Antonio Spurs
What is Kuminga’s potential? We’re not sure. Being the best player on a serious title contender is an awfully high bar. Kuminga could reach it, but he almost certainly has the potential to be the second-best player on a contending team.
Why don’t the San Antonio Spurs find out? A future built around Kuminga and Wembanyama sounds bright. The combined offensive gifts and physical tools of this duo could overwhelm opponents in a couple of short years. Acquiring Kuminga would make plenty of sense on the Spurs’ end.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Is there a deal that makes sense for the Warriors? That’s a different question. They may like Keldon Johnson, but they’d also have to send the Spurs more players than Kuminga to make the money work there.
Is there a more natural suitor?
Detroit Pistons
This could go several ways. Kuminga could be incorporated into a larger deal for Bojan Bogdanovic. The Warriors could flip him for Alec Burks and a pick if Detroit is willing to part with draft capital. Either way, they’ll have options.
Should the Detroit Pistons give them a choice? You can make either case. On the one hand, this team’s young core is missing a wing-like Kuminga. His athleticism and defensive versatility could unlock this young group’s potential.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons Updates
On the other hand, the Pistons may be done developing young players. This team seems to want to take a step forward. Is there a team that’s earlier in their rebuild who could take a look at Kuminga?
Portland Trail Blazers
Once again, finding a deal here isn’t necessarily easy. If the Portland Trail Blazers are willing to part with draft capital, the Warriors could be happy to take Matisse Thybulle and a pick back for Kuminga. Is there another option?
Certainly, his name is Malcolm Brogdon. We’re not sure exactly how that looks, either. Perhaps the Warriors attach Chris Paul to the deal. With some additional maneuvering, they could get Brogdon and Thybulle in that event.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Either way, the Blazers’ interest in Kuminga should be obvious. This team has a very exciting young core, but it’s missing a wing. Kuminga would complete the Blazers’ puzzle. If they’re lucky, he’ll be happy to play with them.
