One of the best assets in the NBA trade market this season is Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. A recent trade idea has the Warriors trading Kuminga to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Nic Claxton.
NBA insider Chris Haynes shared a trio of players the Warriors could be interested in acquiring at the trade deadline on Nightcap via NBA on Prime. Haynes mentioned Claxton, who has been brilliant for the lowly Nets this season.
Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers is another rumored target, but he has been plagued by injuries for the majority of his career. He’s going to be a big risk for Golden State, a team that doesn’t have leeway for failure due to the age of its core.
The third possible target is Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks. Gafford will have plenty of suitors due to his team-friendly contract, as well as the fact that the Mavs could be sellers at the deadline.
Kuminga Trade Idea to Brooklyn
Joey Akeley of Sports Illustrated listed three trade packages for the Golden State Warriors that could possibly give them Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III or Daniel Gafford.
Here’s what the trade for Claxton looks like:
Warriors receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford and a 2023 second-round pick
Akeley initially mentioned the report by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto regarding the Nets’ interest, or lack thereof, in Kuminga.
“If the Nets really have no interest in Kuminga, then they’d probably demand a first-round pick in this deal. But I’m guessing that they do actually have some interest in him. Of the three Warriors trade targets from Haynes’ report, Claxton has played far and away the most minutes. He’s started all 26 games he’s played, averaging 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 blocks,” Akeley wrote.
Kuminga could become one of the building blocks for the Nets, while Horford could get rerouted to a team that needs a veteran presence. A second-round pick might not be enough for a rebuilding team, so the Warriors might have to improve a potential offer.
As for Claxton, he gives the Warriors an athletic big man who can catch lobs, make plays and block shots at center. He seems perfect in the dunker’s spot when Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are on the court together.
Kuminga Eligible for Trade on January 15
The Golden State Warriors can explore trades for Jonathan Kuminga, but they can’t trade him until January 15. Kuminga signed a new contract with the Warriors in the offseason, making him eligible to be traded in less than a month.
The young forward was linked to the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns in the offseason. The New Orleans Pelicans were recently mentioned as a potential destination, though it’s unclear how much these teams are willing to pay for an unproven player like Kuminga.
Before sitting out Saturday’s game against the Suns, Kuminga had only played in one of the last four contests. He received three straight DNPs before getting put back into the rotation last December 18. He also started early in the season, but an injury and his inconsistencies forced coach Steve Kerr to make changes.
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