The Golden State Warriors remain stuck in the Jonathan Kuminga saga. The 22-year-old forward is still a restricted free agent, and the standoff has left Golden State frozen in place this summer. Around the league, the belief is that Kuminga doesn’t want to be part of the organization long-term. The problem? The Warriors haven’t yet found a trade that makes sense.
One dream scenario has been floated by Sports Illustrated’s Liam Willerup: a swap with the Boston Celtics for guard Derrick White.
Warriors Linked to Derrick White
White has quietly become one of the most valuable guards in the league. He doesn’t have superstar shine, but he does everything that wins games—defense, ball movement, shot-making, and composure in big moments.
For the Warriors, White would be a dream fit. He could slot in next to Stephen Curry, guard the toughest backcourt assignments, and play off the ball in lineups with Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. On paper, he’s the perfect “new Splash Bro.”
But that’s exactly why Boston wouldn’t want to part with him. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season, White’s role is even more critical. Unless the Warriors were willing to throw in multiple first-round picks on top of Kuminga, it’s hard to see the Celtics entertaining the idea.
Why It’s Unlikely but Tempting
As Willerup notes, White will turn 32 at the start of next season. The Celtics could, in theory, pivot younger to extend their window. Still, it’s a stretch. Boston has shown no indication they’d move White, and the Warriors have in the past been extremely reluctant to part with draft capital—reserving that kind of package only for an MVP-level superstar, the type of player Giannis Antetokounmpo would represent if he were ever to become available.
That’s why this feels like fantasy more than reality. Kuminga on his own doesn’t command the kind of value White holds. If anything, this would be a “best case” return for Golden State in what has become a disastrous situation with Kuminga’s restricted free agency.
And yet, if there were ever a price for White, the Warriors should pay it. Multiple firsts, even. He’s the exact kind of player who could steady this roster, elevate Curry in the backcourt, and give Golden State its best shot at squeezing one more deep playoff run out of this core.
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