Golden State’s trade market for Jonathan Kuminga is beginning to crystallize, and one franchise is positioned to be “front and center” in discussions for the 23-year-old forward, according to a new report from Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Pelicans Emerge as Key Team in Kuminga Trade Talks
The New Orleans Pelicans have long been linked to the Golden State Warriors in potential frameworks involving Trey Murphy III, one of the league’s fastest-rising 3-and-D wings. Amick reported that the Warriors’ interest in Murphy is no secret, but the critical question inside the league is how New Orleans views Kuminga as a trade asset.
GettyTrey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors.
“For quite some time now, the Warriors have been open about their desire to acquire the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III,” Amick wrote. “But if they’re going to use Kuminga to do that, then it would be helpful to know how, if at all, the Pelicans value the Warriors’ 23-year-old forward. For the time being, the feedback is mixed on that front. ’Tis the season for smokescreens, after all.”
Yet while Golden State harbors real interest in Murphy, league insiders caution that the price will be steep.
Pelicans Holding a High Price for Trey Murphy III & Herb Jones
NBA insider Marc Stein reported “considerable curiosity leaguewide” about whether the Pelicans would entertain offers for Murphy or defensive standout Herb Jones. But Stein emphasized that New Orleans is not fielding cut-rate negotiations.
“The price point to convince New Orleans to part with either Murphy or Jones — swingmen who both possess favorable contracts on top of their highly desired skill sets — is extremely high and intended to discourage inquiries,” Stein wrote.
The Warriors can offer a compelling package — they control up to four first-round picks available for trade — but Golden State has been reluctant to use its full chest of assets unless a superstar such as Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available.
Why Murphy Fits Golden State’s Vision
Murphy, 6-foot-8 with elite length and shooting touch, has broken out as one of the NBA’s premier young wings. He is averaging career highs across the board: 21.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 36.1% from three.
His combination of size, shooting, defensive versatility and upside is precisely the archetype Steve Kerr hoped Kuminga would evolve into when Golden State drafted him No. 7 in 2021.
Murphy bolstered his rising value again Thursday, posting 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, plus five rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Pelicans’ 143–120 win over Portland.
Kuminga’s Stock Drops Amid DNP and Uncertain Role
As Murphy ascends, Kuminga’s trajectory has stalled.
Kuminga did not play in Sunday’s blowout win in Chicago — a surprising DNP-CD, even in garbage time — further diminishing his trade value at a critical moment.
Still, Kuminga maintained professionalism.
“Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready,” Kuminga said, adding he understood Kerr’s decisions as long as the team keeps winning.
Kerr Acknowledges Kuminga Trade Possibility
Kerr sounded increasingly resigned to Kuminga’s uncertain future.
“I can imagine that it’s not easy for him [to be in trade rumors],” Kerr said via ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “My desire is for JK to be the best player he can possibly be, regardless of where he ends up, here or elsewhere.”
Kerr referenced an old conversation with former GM Bob Myers, stressing that coaches must focus on daily performance, while general managers — now Mike Dunleavy Jr. — face the larger strategic picture. Kerr said he and Dunleavy remain “totally aligned” in evaluating the roster’s future.
Warriors Expected to Field Offers Beginning January 15
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors will begin exploring Kuminga trades as soon as he becomes eligible on January 15.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported.
But the defining question remains: How do the Pelicans truly value Kuminga? Their answer may determine whether Golden State finally lands the 3-and-D wing they covet — or must pivot to a new trade path entirely.
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