Despite signing an extension with the Warriors in the offseason, Jonathan Kuminga’s time in Golden State has been anything but smooth. The young forward was recently pulled from the rotation following a knee-related absence and a cold shooting stretch, and now an exit appears increasingly possible as trade speculation intensifies.
Reports indicate that Kuminga is drawing significant interest ahead of the Jan. 15 trade availability, with one Western Conference team emerging as a front-runner. Golden State is said to be targeting one of its young stars in return, making the forward’s future a key storyline as the Warriors approach the trade deadline.
Who Is The Frontrunner in Jonathan Kuminga Trade Talks?
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the New Orleans Pelicans have emerged as the frontrunner in the Kuminga sweepstakes, with Golden State reportedly targeting Trey Murphy III in return.
“The Kings are widely expected to revisit their offseason interest in Kuminga, and it remains to be seen if that’s the case for teams like Phoenix and Chicago that have been intrigued by him before,” Amick wrote. “But the New Orleans Pelicans, in many ways, are front and center in this discussion.
“Let me explain. For quite some time now, the Warriors have been open about their desire to acquire the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III. But if they’re going to use Kuminga to do that, then it would be helpful to know how, if at all, the Pelicans value the Warriors’ 23-year-old forward. For the time being, the feedback is mixed on that front. ’Tis the season for smokescreens, after all.”
Kuminga, a 2021 first-round pick, is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season, shooting 43.8% from the field and 32% from three. While his talent is undeniable, his future in the Golden State appears limited, and the Warriors cannot officially trade him until Jan. 15.
Murphy III, on the other hand, would be a clean fit alongside Draymond Green and Stephen Curry due to his elite shooting. He is averaging 21.2 points per game this season, with an actual shooting percentage of 62.2%. He could generate All-Star buzz if playing on a more competitive team than the 4–22 Pelicans.
While the Warriors and other teams covet Murphy, he is in the first year of a four-year, $112 million extension and remains a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ roster. Any trade between Golden State and New Orleans would almost certainly revolve around him.
As the Jan. 15 trade window approaches, all eyes will be on how the Warriors navigate their roster and whether a blockbuster deal can be struck.
