The Golden State Warriors appear to have no reason to make a massive trade, but that hasn’t stopped the Stephen Curry-led team from being included in all the recent NBA rumors. At 6-1, the Warriors are tied with the Phoenix Suns for second in the Western Conference and won three of those games without Curry.
All conventional wisdom points to the Warriors holding pat and continuing to build off their early-season success, but recent reports suggest they could land an all-time great via trade.
Nov 30, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores against Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1), guard Terance Mann (14) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
According to Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Clippers’ “dream” target is Jonathan Kuminga. As a restricted free agent next summer, he could sign anywhere, although the Warriors have the right to match a contract. After three games, he was demoted to the bench, so there is a reason to believe he will not want to stay in Golden State.
Rather than losing him for nothing, the Warriors could add a two-way star to their roster. Kawhi Leonard is out for an indeterminate amount of time with a leg injury, but if he returns this season, an team he is on will receive a boost of talent before the playoffs.
The Warriors could send Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney, as well as draft capital, to the Clippers for Leonard.
Such a deal would slash Golden State’s depth, but a starting five of Curry, Leonard, Buddy Hield, Draymond Green, and Tracye Jackson-Davis would be excellent. The Dubs would also keep Brandin Podziemski De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II on the roster, giving them a solid second unit.
Steve Kerr has enjoyed playing 12-man rotations this season, and a trade for a star, any star, would put and end to those deep lineups, but to add an All-NBA player? If he is healthy, it’s worth considering.
