Every team in the NBA has its expectations heading into a season. In 2023-24, some teams are disappointed to be outside of title contention. Other teams have failed even to take a moderate step forward.
Look at the Charlotte Hornets. This team had no hope of competing for a title in 2023-24. Still, they surely hoped to be more competitive than they’ve been. The Hornets have been rebuilding for some time. Surely, they’re disappointed to be among the worst teams in the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors aren’t among the league’s worst teams. Still, they’re disappointed by their mediocrity. This team had title hopes.
Could they regain those hopes by sending Jonathan Kuminga to the Hornets?
NBA Trade Idea
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C P.J. Washington, 2027 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, G/F Gary Payton III
With that said, the NBA is nothing if not unpredictable. A team may head into a season with expectations. That doesn’t mean they’ll meet them. Every year, teams exceed and fall short of expectations.
That’s what makes the trade deadline so interesting. It’s an opportunity for teams to correct course. A disappointing team may choose to make a win-now deal or prefer to scrap their current team and start over.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets Updates
What should the Warriors do? It’s a hotly debated question. Some would suggest that the Warriors need to hang onto Kuminga and look towards the future.
Should they do this deal instead?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors’ future is unclear. This deal does little to clarify anything. After all, you could make the case that, in light of Kuminga’s recent play, the Warriors aren’t even upgrading their roster here.
At the same time, this deal could improve their performance. Washington is a lower-usage player than Kuminga. He’s a more reliable defender. Washington is having a down year from long range, but in the Warriors’ system, his shooting is likely to regress to the mean.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets Updates
With that said, the Warriors are as interested in landing an unprotected first here as they are in adding Washington.
If this deal doesn’t improve their performance, they’ll be glad to add this asset whether they’re looking to make a bigger trade this summer or start over.
Should the Hornets trade that pick?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Some folks will question our logic here. Fair enough. The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA. Why would they move a distant unprotected first in their current situation?
Ask yourself a different question – who could the Hornets draft who’d have Kuminga’s upside? He’s looked like a potential star at times in 2023-24. He could join LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to form the future of this organization.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets Updates
That’s worth the cost of an unprotected first. The Hornets would only need that trio to gel before 2027, and this shouldn’t be a lottery pick. By then, the Hornets will be hoping to exceed expectations.
