Jonathan Kuminga may have signed a new contract with the Golden State Warriors, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be dangled in trade discussions. The explosive forward spent the summer exploring his options before ultimately committing to Golden State on Oct. 1.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob have done a solid job of rounding out Steve Kerr’s roster ahead of the new season. However, there are still questions over how Kuminga’s skill set will fit, both in the starting lineup and off the bench. It’s for that reason that the Warriors could explore potential trade packages for the former lottery pick.
A recent trade proposal from Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports could solve some of those issues for the Warriors. Holloway postulates using Kuminga as part of a deal to land Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans. Murphy’s skill set would be a seamless fit for the Warriors, and he would give them a future star to build around once Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler decide to step away from the NBA.
The trade proposal looks like this:
Warriors Get: Trey Murphy II and Kevon Looney
Pelicans Get: Jonathan Juminga, Moses Moody and draft capital
“Though having to include Moody and draft capital in this trade could be a tough decision for the Warriors to make, acquiring Murphy III and reuniting with Looney could be a major boost to their roster this season,” Holloway wrote. “…Murphy III has turned into one of the best young 3-and-D wings in the NBA as he is a great all-around player, especially defensively, which is something the Warriors could use in their starting lineup.”
Murphy played in 53 games last season, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He shot 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from deep. The 25-year-old is entering the first year of a four-year $112 million contract .
Warriors’ Al Horford Expected to Have Big Impact
Regardless of what happens with Kuminga, Golden State should be a serious threat in the Western Conference this season. The addition of veteran big man Al Horford will help plug a long-standing gap in the middle of the floor. His floor spacing and defensive IQ will help elevate the Warriors’ rotation.
During a recent media call with Heavy on Sports, ESPN’s Tim Legler shared his thoughts on how Horford can help improve Golden State.
“I love the addition of Al Horford,” Legler said. “He’s the type of player that even on nights when maybe he doesn’t get shots or hurt you with his 3-point shooting, whatever it may be, is going to have a major impact with his ability to facilitate offense from the top of the key, the way Draymond [Green ] does, with his ability to be a backline anchor defensively. He’s just so smart, so savvy, so much playoff experience.”
Horford, 39, played in 60 games for the Celtics last season. He averaged 9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The veteran big man shot 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from deep. However, it’s what Horford does in the margins that makes the biggest impact. Warriors fans will quickly grow fond of how Horford’s non-box-score production can help elevate the team.
The Warriors Don’t Need a Trade…Yet
With so much depth and talent, Golden State shouldn’t be rushing out to make a trade. As we get closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the front office can make an informed decision on whether the roster is missing something or needs an upgrade at a depth position.
Whether the Warriors could trade Kuminga remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, if Murphy is available, and a Kuminga-centric trade can bring him to the Bay Area, the Warriors should jump at the opportunity. Unfortunately for Golden State, it’s hard to envision the Pelicans being open to trading their young star.
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