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Warriors Rumors: Kuminga, Wiseman, Moody Not Being Shopped Ahead of Trade Deadline
January 19, 2023
The Golden State Warriors could use more proven players heading into the second half of the 2022-23 season, but Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported they are unlikely to move Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman or Moses Moody.
"They aren't actively shopping their three recent lottery picks, according to those sources with knowledge of the Warriors' thinking," Slater reported.
Slater noted "the Warriors aren't in sell-low mode" for Moody or Wiseman despite both falling short of expectations to this point in their careers.
Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 draft, taken between highly productive youngsters Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, but he's struggled to stay on the court in three seasons.
The 21-year-old missed all of 2021-22 with a knee injury and is currently out with a foot sprain. Now in his third NBA season, the center has made just 58 total appearances. The upside was still on display when he scored 30 points in a December loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
Kuminga and Moody were lottery picks in the 2021 draft and both have earned a spot in the rotation, although their overall impacts have been limited. Kuminga has seen more minutes thanks to his defensive ability, but the Warriors' second unit has been a major issue this season.
The Warriors are 8.8 points worse per 100 possessions when Kuminga is on the floor compared to off it, while Moody's mark is negative-9.9, per Basketball Reference. It's a double-digit swing compared to starters Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins.
Trading one or more of the young prospects, who should still draw interest around the league, could help get Golden State established talent to provide depth going forward. At 22-22 entering Thursday, the squad could use a jolt to get back into title contention.
On the other hand, the Warriors will need these players to take over down the line. With Wiggins and Jordan Poole getting new contract extensions, the team won't be able to fit new additions in the salary cap. Thompson and Green are also set to become free agents in 2024, potentially leaving major holes in the lineup.
Kuminga, Moody and Wiseman could be brought along slowly to take over for the longtime contributors and keep the team in contention.