The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga finally reached an agreement. The young forward signed a two-year contract to stay with the Warriors, although he gave up a no-trade clause and has a team option in the second year.
Despite his objections, the Warriors are expected to trade Kuminga this season. He averaged 15.3 points last year and is an explosive athlete, now on a team-friendly deal. If the Warriors make him available, they should have their fair share of suitors.
The Indiana Pacers are not expected to compete this season. Tyrese Haliburton is out with a torn Achilles, although they are gearing up for a playoff run in 2026-27. Kuminga fits their timeline and would add some athleticism. Indiana was recently urged to pursue a trade for Kuminga.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball against Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Mock Trade Brings Warriors Young Talent
It’s hard to imagine the Warriors and Kuminga ever fully repairing their relationship. Kuminga has been swept up in trade rumors, and his value, after signing a team-friendly deal, has never been higher.
The Pacers are built around Haliburton, but the long-term availability of wings like Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin is questionable. Kuminga fits Indiana’s timeline, and it stands to reason that the Pacers could sacrifice some youth to add him.
The Sporting News’ Dean Simon devised a trade that would swap Kuminga for Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard.
Mathurin will step into a starting role this season, and Indiana seems to value him, although he is poised to enter restricted free agency this summer. Walker, meanwhile, has long been buried on the Pacers‘ depth chart, and Sheppard is mostly a toss-in, even if he’s improved significantly in recent seasons.
If the Pacers don’t see Mathurin as a long-term fit next to Haliburton, this deal makes sense. If they believe he can share the floor with their star guard, however, then it’s hard to imagine them letting him go.
GettyJonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the first quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Warriors and Pacers Are In No Rush
The Warriors are not expected to trade Kuminga until after the New Year. Indiana, like the Boston Celtics, will be enjoying a “gap year” of sorts and can experiment with their lineups.
A massive lineup of Haliburton, Kuminga, Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and a center–perhaps Jay Huff–would be excellent for the Pacers. With dominance on both sides of the ball, Toppin and Aaron Nesmith coming off the bench, and the high-octane style where Haliburton thrives, Indiana should be able to get right back in the mix after this proposed deal.
The Warriors, meanwhile, bolster their limited young core, and both Sheppard and Mathurin are proven players. Walker is yet to get a chance, but behind Draymond Green, he could be molded into a great player.
It’s hard to imagine the Warriors sending Kuminga to a Western Conference rival, and the Pacers, with their unique situation, make sense.
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