This Kuminga Trade Idea Might Be Simple Enough to Work

A Jonathan Kuminga trade has been one of the most likely transactions predicted for this NBA trade deadline. The Warriors have been benching him for weeks in preparation for finding him a new home. However, with the Warriors’ salaries and Kuminga’s contract, some of the potential deals are quite complicated. 

There are a few options for the Warriors. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report came up with a Kuminga trade that could actually work. 

“Golden State Warriors Receive: F De'Andre Hunter

Phoenix Suns Receive:  F Jonathan Kuminga, C Trayce Jackson-Davis

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Royce O'Neale, F Ryan Dunn, C Nick Richards

There are no time restrictions on this trade, one that could be completed immediately now that Kuminga is eligible to be dealt.

No draft picks need to switch hands, either, which is good considering both the Cavs and Suns are running short on them. The Warriors also save their four tradeable first-round picks to go star-chasing with this summer if they need to, while putting an end to the Kuminga saga."

This is the type of trade that nobody is going to get extremely excited about but could be realistic. If the Suns still want Kuminga like they did this summer, this is a pretty low price to pay for him. 

The Warriors would be upgrading to a more veteran role player who better fits their team. Hunter’s contract also expires after next season, so they wouldn’t be taking on any long-term money.

The Cavaliers would be the team that might not want to make this move. Hunter plays nearly 27 minutes a game for them. To replace him with three solid, yet worse, role players might not be what Cleveland wants to do this deadline.