Relationships can get complicated. That’s even true between NBA players and teams. At times, it can be hard to get a read on where a team stands on a player.
For example, look at Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. Kuminga has been the subject of trade rumors. Recent reporting suggests that the Warriors have no interest in moving him. It’s been said that they see him as a future star and a key part of their future.
Sure. Still, Kuminga’s role and playing time are inconsistent. It’s also been reported that he’s not happy with that fact. The Warriors may not be itching to move Kuminga, but they must be considering that option.
Could they send him to the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Utah Jazz Land Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga
Relationships between players can get complicated as well. We can look at both of these team’s recent histories and see that. At the beginning of last season, there seemed to be plenty of complications in the Warriors’ locker room.
We’re referring to the punch that was heard around the world. Draymond Green infamously hit Jordan Poole in practice. The Warriors’ response wasn’t complicated.
They readily chose Green and sent Poole to the Washington Wizards. The Jazz are no strangers to complicated relationships either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
It became clear that Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert weren’t getting along. The Jazz traded them both. As a result, they’ve got one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA.
Should they give up a pick for Kuminga?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
That depends on how the Jazz view Kuminga. Evaluating him is complicated in its own right. Kuminga is raw, but he has star potential at the same time.
Are the Jazz likely to land a player with star potential with Cleveland’s 2025 pick? That feels unlikely. Kuminga is still just 21. He’s an ideal “second draft candidate.”
This is a player who has struggled to find playing time on a contending Warriors team, but the Jazz will be in a perfect position to give him a larger opportunity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
Meanwhile, this team is outside of the playoff picture. Olynyk is on an expiring contract. He’s likely to leave in free agency next season – the Jazz may as well get value for him.
Should the Warriors be interested in him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Sure. If nothing else, the Warriors should be interested in Olynyk’s expiring deal. This team’s salary sheet has gotten messy. Adding some expiring money to the books will be helpful next summer.
At the same time, Olynyk is a contributor. He’s a floor spacing combo big with strong passing chops. Olynyk can also defend in space.
He feels like a perfect fit in the Warriors’ system and should make them a better team in 2023-24. Finally, adding an unprotected first never hurts.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
The Warriors may be apprehensive about giving up on Kuminga, but at the same time, this doesn’t feel like it’s going well. It may be time to cut ties – this relationship has gotten complicated.
