The Philadelphia 76ers are in danger of losing Guerschon Yabusele this offseason. Yabusele has outplayed the veteran’s minimum contract the Sixers signed him to, and he’s played well enough to make more money next season.
If Yabusele signs with another team for more money this summer, the Sixers will have to look for a replacement. One possible option is Golden State Warriors wing Jonathan Kuminga. Sports Illustrated’s Declan Harris explained why the Sixers should add Kuminga as Yabusele’s replacement, though bringing him aboard would depend on his price.
“When you compare Kuminga and Yabusele’s player profiles, it’s abundantly clear that there are overlapping similarities, including scoring output, ability to shoot efficiently, and securing rebounds,” Harris wrote. “…Kuminga would offer plenty of the upsides that Yabusele brings to the Sixers. The only question would be what his salary commitments would look like, given it’s set to be his first non-rookie contract in the league.”
Kuminga will be a restricted free agent this offseason, which would make it hard to add him, as Golden State can match any offer. However, the Warriors’ refusal to commit long-term to him beforehand raises questions about how highly they regard him.
He was on their championship team in 2022, but around that time, Golden State did not depend on him like they do now. Since then, he’s become a larger fixture in the Warriors’ rotation.
The 22-year-old would give the Sixers some badly-needed youth. On top of that, he’d provide scoring and athleticism along the wing. If he joined the team, he might be better for them than Paul George, who will only continue to age while Kuminga’s best days are ahead of him.
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