The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga are on the outs. After failing to agree on a contract extension, the once-prized young player has cut himself off from friendly relationships with the front office, and the Warriors’ coaching staff has mismanaged the sensitive situation.
Kuminga, a career 33.6 percent shooter from 3-point range, does not fit with the Warriors’ starting lineup and has since been benched, although he has played a large role with the second unit. However, that hasn’t stopped trade rumors from heating up, and the former seventh-overall pick has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, among others.
Jan 30, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
© Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Should the Sixers take the bait and make an offer for Kuminga, their two best trade chips would be Kelly Oubre Jr. and KJ Martin. Neither one of them are elite marksman, but both have come off the bench before and wouldn’t take issue with playing a lesser role on a team with championship aspirations. Martin is much less talented than Oubre Jr., but he is also only 24 years old, and Golden State might value youth.
Oubre Jr. is a more realistic candidate, as he and Kuminga offer similar strengths.
Oubre Jr. has been in the NBA since 2015 and has averaged 17.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and has shot 31.3 from behind the arc. He spent the 2020-21 season with Golden State, averaging 15.4 points in 55 games.
Golden State might have to sweeten the pot and add a second-round pick or two in a possible trade, but Oubre’s athleticism would be a welcome addition to the aging team.
