Warriors Trade Pitch Swaps Kuminga for Scoring Guard

The Golden State Warriors haven’t made a single move in free agency — and July’s just about done. Despite being connected to Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, there’s been zero confirmation, zero ink on paper, and zero roster movement.

Part of that, of course, has to do with the Jonathan Kuminga situation. The 22-year-old remains a restricted free agent, with no offer sheet and no new deal. Until something gives — an agreement, an exit, a change in stance — the Warriors seem stuck in the holding pattern.

But let’s explore a possible way out.

Warriors Trade Pitch Pairs Curry With Volume Scorer

In a proposed deal floated via Sports Illustrated, the Warriors and Brooklyn Nets could trade problems for potential. The idea? A restricted free agent swap — Cam Thomas for Kuminga — with Buddy Hield tossed in to make the math work.

Warriors receive:
– Cam Thomas (sign-and-trade, 3-year deal worth approximately $66 million)

Nets receive:
– Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade, 3-year deal worth approximately $75 million)
– Buddy Hield

Because of sign-and-trade rules, Kuminga’s outgoing salary would only count for 50% in a trade. That’s why Hield is needed here — to balance the books and allow Thomas to come back in return.

Kuminga’s Limbo May Be Holding Warriors Back

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesJonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Thomas isn’t a two-way piece and won’t fix the defense. But as a microwave scorer, he’d give Stephen Curry a high-volume, low-maintenance bucket-getter on the wing. Thomas has averaged 22.9 points per game across the past two seasons and could quickly become the Warriors’ No. 2 scoring option — even with Jimmy Butler in town, who, as we’ve seen, often looks to facilitate and get others involved before calling his own number.

For Brooklyn, the trade is more about the long game. Kuminga’s upside fits their timeline, and Hield provides shooting in the short term. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a path that makes sense for both sides on paper.

The Warriors want to win now. The Nets want to retool. And while Kuminga’s contract limbo may have slowed free agency, it could also be the key to unlocking what comes next. Maybe this isn’t the solution. But as both teams search for answers, it’s a path worth exploring.