NBA

Jonathan Kuminga trade ideas for 3 teams, including the Lakers and Mavs deal

ballervisions 2026年1月17日

Jonathan Kuminga’s skill still carries his reputation. The fifth-year forward has consistently lost the trust of Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, and so far this year he’s been producing as one of the worst players in the league (12th percentile in EPM). The Warriors still don’t want to cut loose on the 23-year-old, so they signed him to a two-year, $46 million contract this summer with the intention of eventually trading him. Kuminga was completely out of Golden State’s rotation last month as he became eligible for a trade on Jan. 15, and surprisingly “demanded” that he be traded to a new team.

The Warriors paid Kuminga well enough to use him as trade bait, but right now they need to realize that he won’t be used for something like the team’s flawed roster. Golden State reportedly does not want to recoup any long-term salary from the deal, and right now that may be their only realistic hope. It’s starting to feel like the best the Warriors can do here is some expiring contracts and maybe a second round pick or two. Golden State may continue to hold on to Kuminga in hopes of finding a trade partner this summer, but he won’t be able to increase his value off the bench.

Here are three mock Jonathan Kuminga trades before the Feb. trade deadline. 5. Add another second round pick to all of this. Warning: None of this is great for Warriors.

Jonathan Kuminga on the Lakers trade idea with the Nets

The Lakers reportedly have some interest in Kuminga, but it is difficult to come up with a deal that works directly between the two teams due to the arcane rules regarding “base year compensation”. I wanted to get the Warriors’ Jake LaRavia in this deal, so I included the Nets as the third team, who would likely pick more teams in the second round by taking on two expiring contracts and making the numbers work. LaRavia hasn’t been great this year (41st percentile EPM), but he has the combination of size, shooting, and IQ on the wing that could entice Golden State. Highsmith is currently recovering from a torn meniscus, but has shown some quality as a forward when healthy. The Lakers get a chance to give Kuminga a more defined role, and maybe turn him into a solid rotation piece the same way they did with Rui Hachimura. I think this makes sense on both sides.

Jonathan Kuminga to Kings trade idea with Bulls

The Kings have been touted as Kuminga’s main suitors, but Golden State’s reluctance to take on Malik Monk’s long-term money has killed it so far. In this three-team trade, the Chicago Bulls swooped in to acquire Monk, paving the way for Kuminga to go to Sacramento. The Warriors received two first-round picks in this deal in Devin Carer and Dalen Terry. Terry is a good wing defender who can do a lot offensively, and he expires after this season. Carter is in his second season, and the 3-D skill set that made him a lottery pick out of college has yet to translate. Maybe the Warriors think they can resurrect Carter’s career, while the Bulls get a microwave guard that allows them to trade Coby White before re-signing him this summer.

Jonathan Kuminga to Mavericks trade idea

The Mavs are reportedly interested in Kuminga, and I couldn’t help but use that as an excuse to bring back Klay Thompson Bay. Golden State may not like Thompson to have another season at $16 million on the books after this year, but maybe they can trade him again this summer for a better fit. There’s always a chance Thompson could catch fire and swing a playoff game again for Golden State, and that’s just exciting to think about. I don’t see anything bad here for any group.

Could Golden State combine a future first-round pick or two with Kuminga to try and land Michael Porter Jr.? That could happen again, but I’m not sure Brooklyn will play football with one pick, and I don’t think the Warriors will give up two. Add your Kuminga mis-sales below and I’ll judge them.