The Indiana Pacers have reportedly emerged as a new trade suitor for Golden State Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga.
According to ClutchPointsâ Brett Siegel, the Warriors could engage the Pacers in talks for Kuminga after the Congolese forward becomes trade-eligible on January 15.
“…One team that has quietly been scouting Kuminga dating back to the start of the 2024-25 season and has continued into this year is the Indiana Pacers,” reported Siegel.
With Bennedict Mathurin set to become a restricted free agent, Siegel floated the idea of the Warriors making a run for the talented wing scorer.
“As he prepares to hit restricted free agency next summer, Mathurin is the exact type of athletic wing scorer the Warriors would want next to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.”
Other Kuminga Suitors
Siegel’s report listed the New Orleans Pelicans as another potential suitor for Kuminga, highlighting the Warriors’ well-known interest in Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.
At least three other teams could reportedly make a run for the athletic forward. During Kuminga’s restricted free agency, the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings made a strong play for Kuminga, exploring various sign-and-trade options. Ultimately, none of the offers compelled the Warriors enough, leading to a compromise with Kuminga and, with it, a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a Team Option in 2026-27.
When the Warriors begin to shop Kuminga, the Chicago Bulls are expected to join the Kings and Suns, per Siegel.
“Interest from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings will exist prior to the trade deadline, much like this past summer,” wrote Siegel. “It is unknown if the Chicago Bulls, who previously entertained the idea of pursuing Kuminga, will be interested this time around.”
Attractive Warriors Trade Chip
Teams around the league reportedly covet Kuminga’s contract due to the second-year Team Option. As such, the Pacers or any other team could explore a fit with Kuminga in the second half of the 2025-26 season and decide on his future next summer.
According to insider Marc Stein, Kuminga is “one of the best trade chips in the league” due the risk-averse nature of his contract.
“Heâs not even eligible to be moved until Jan. 15, but itâs no secret that the Warriorsâ hardball stance all summer with Kuminga in the sidesâ restricted free agency saga was adopted with the intention to ensure that the 23-year-old was re-signed to a tradeable contract. âItâs one of the best trade chips in the league,ââ Stein reported.
Kuminga has been sidelined with a knee injury since the Nov. 12 game against the San Antonio Spurs. He is a game-time decision for Saturday’s game against the Pacers, according to Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com.
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