The beginning of an NBA player’s career can be critical. Getting off to a strong start is very advantageous. To do that, a player should land on a team that suits them.
Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder may not have landed in the right place. This team’s primary ball-handler is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams emerging, Giddey may be the odd man out.
What about Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors? Well, he’s struggled to succeed on the Warriors as well. This is less of a basketball problem. The Warriors have been contending, and Kuminga has been raw.
Could the Thunder flip Giddey for him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: Oklahoma City Thunder Land Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga
With that said, NBA careers are difficult to predict. Just look at Kuminga and Giddey’s 2021 draft class. Around the league, we see players who were supposed to thrive from that class struggle instead.
Take Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons. Although his turnovers are problematic, he’s had a solid individual season, but the Pistons can’t buy a win.
By contrast, look at Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. His team is having a surprisingly competitive season, but Green isn’t contributing much.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
On the other hand, another Rocket from the 2021 class tells us how unpredictable young players can be. Alperen Sengun was selected outside of the lottery but looks like a star.
Could Kuminga look like a star in Oklahoma City?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
He certainly makes more sense on this roster from a basketball perspective. The Thunder could use a wing with some size and defensive upside. Kuminga fits the bill. His height, wingspan, and athletic gifts suggest that he could be a great defender in time.
He also has more off-ball value than Giddey. Kuminga is a similarly spotty shooter but an active and effective cutter. Defenses won’t leave him wide open, either. Kuminga should be a better compliment to the ball-dominant stars on this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Finally, Giddey has had some off-court issues in 2023-24. It feels like he could use a fresh start. Should the Warriors give it to him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Giddey is a flawed player. He’s an unexceptional athlete who struggles to create his own shot. Giddey is also a poor three-point shooter. Why should the Warriors be interested in him?
Well, Giddey does have a remarkable feel for basketball. He’s a gifted passer. In other words, he ought to thrive in Golden State’s motion system. With the off-ball gravity provided by Steph Curry, Giddey should be able to have a positive impact on the offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Sure, the Warriors’ backcourt will be crowded. That’s not an issue – play Giddey in the frontcourt. Klay Thompson can handle minutes at the 3 as well. Giddey fits with the Warriors’ basketball philosophies – that could help get his career back on track.
