Who could Warriors target in a Jonathan Kuminga trade?
SAN FRANCISCO – As of publication of this article, Jonathan Kuminga is technically still a member of the Warriors. He works out at the team’s facility on Terry Francois Boulevard, trains with the coaches and is still a member of the 15-man roster.
But the 23-year-old has not played since Dec. 18 against the Suns, and has sat out the past 12 games, 11 of those being healthy scratches. Kuminga is all but certainly going to be traded after his trade restriction is lifted on Thursday.
With a $22.5 million cap hit and a team option on the second year of his deal, his salary could be used to bring back another player who can give an immediate boost to a Warriors team hoping to break into the league’s upper echelon.
Multiple outlets have reported that the Kings and Nets are among the franchises interested in Kuminga’s services, and the Wizards, Trail Blazers and New Orleans have been linked to him as well.
In order to match salaries, another player or an assortment of players and draft picks would need to be included.
Here are three players who could be realistic trade candidates in exchange for Kuminga if – or perhaps when – the Warriors make a move.
Trey Murphy III, forward, New Orleans, 25
The prototypical high-volume 3-point shooting small forward who went just a few picks after the Warriors picked Moses Moody. For the second year in a row, Murphy is averaging 21.6 points per game and makes three 3-point shots a night.
He is also a solid rebounder (6.2 a game) and is a willing passer at 3.6 assists per game. He would provide secondary scoring punch that the Warriors need while also being the team’s top wing defender.
The only holdup is recent reports that the Joe Dumars-led front office in New Orleans wants to build around Murphy, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans’ top two rookies, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.
Malik Monk, guard, Kings, 27
One of the top bucket-getters off the bench in the league, boasting two top-five Sixth Man of the Year finishes in four seasons with the Kings.
He is making 42.3% of his 3-point shots, but unlike the rest of the Warriors’ short combo guards, Monk has the bounce and athleticism to finish around the rim and create his own shot. But make no mistake, Monk prefers to take jump shots.
Monk’s jumping ability still does not make up for the fact that he is 6-foot-3 and would be joining an already crowded backcourt.
Michael Porter Jr., forward, Nets, 27
After being a key member of Denver’s 2023 title team, Porter Jr. is enjoying a breakout season as the focal point of a tanking Nets team. He is averaging 25.9 points while taking a career-high 18.7 shots per game.
His rebounding (7.5 average) would help a Warriors team that occasionally struggles to grab a board. But at the end of the day, his shotmaking is what would appeal to the Warriors, who could use a tough shotmaker next to Curry and Jimmy Butler.
He has been compared to a supersized Klay Thompson, a 40% 3-point shooter who is proficient at running off screens and making difficult shots while eschewing dribbling.
But with a year and a half still left on Porter’s deal, there is no rush for the Nets to deal him.