Jonathan Kuminga's Trade Value Evaluated by NBA Execs Amid Rumors on Warriors Future
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga reportedly could be back on the trading block once he is eligible to be dealt on Jan. 15.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Kuminga is "considered one of the top trade candidates across the league in the eyes of NBA executives."
Kuminga was the subject of numerous trade rumors this past offseason with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings reportedly emerging as his main suitors.
ESPN's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported over the summer that the Suns and Kings had sign-and-trade discussions with the Warriors focused on Kuminga.
At least one of the teams reportedly offered Kuminga a deal worth nearly $90 million, but Charania later reported on NBA Today that the Warriors didn't make a trade because they were holding out for an unprotected first-round pick.
Per Scotto, the Suns are "not as interested now" in a Kuminga trade, however, the Kings have "continued to keep tabs on Kuminga's situation from afar."
Scotto also mentioned the New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets, who were both linked to Kuminga at one point. It is reportedly "unclear" where the Pels stand, while the Nets "never showed much interest."
Kuminga, 23, is in the midst of his fifth NBA season after going seventh overall to the Dubs in the 2021 NBA draft.
He enjoyed a breakout year in 2023-24, averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game, but he was unable to build upon it last season. His scoring averaged dipped to 15.3 points per game, and his shooting percentage fell from 52.9 percent to 45.4 percent.
Kuminga did showcase his immense potential during last season's playoffs, though, particularly in five games that Stephen Curry missed due to injury. Over those contests, Kuminga averaged 24.3 points on 55.4 percent shooting.
Despite that, Kuminga's play has declined this season to the tune of 12.4 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest.
Kuminga is clearly below Curry and Jimmy Butler in the offensive pecking order, and he has struggled to firmly establish himself as a quality No. 3 option.
Because of that, Kuminga may be better off landing with a rebuilding team that can give him more playing time and a more significant role.
Golden State would perhaps be more inclined to move him as well if it can receive a player who can help the team immediately, given that the Warriors are clearly in win-now mode.
