The Warriors continue to navigate contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and have been held up in free agency this summer.
There appears to be some tension between the two sides, as Kuminga reportedly wants a bigger role and a more lucrative, long-term pact than the Warriors are willing to provide. If the two sides eventually reach an agreement, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the promising young forward become a trade candidate — unless, of course, he accepts his qualifying offer and plays out the 2025-26 campaign.
If Golden State is able to sign Kuminga to a trade-worthy contract, he’d be an option for several teams — particularly those where the 22-year-old could take on an increased role.
MORE: Bold Warriors trade pitch targets Spurs’ Stephon Castle for $16.2 million guard
Warriors could send Jonathan Kuminga to Pelicans
Golden State has reportedly shown interest in Trey Murphy III and could use a new Kuminga deal as part of a trade package, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
“Sources say that the Warriors have a strong affinity for Murphy and have made outreach to New Orleans as recently as this summer,” he wrote. “Yet sources say that the Pelicans, to be clear, have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly.”
Still, Kuminga has star potential and could be a viable option for a rebuilding Pelicans team. If Golden State offers a substantial package for Murphy, New Orleans could part with the two-way forward.
Murphy is coming off a breakout year, though he appeared in only 53 regular-season games before suffering a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder in mid-March. During that span, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.0 three-pointers and 1.1 steals across 35.0 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-8 swingman is a career 38.3 percent shooter from beyond the arc and could complement Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. While durability has been a factor, his upside remains highly appealing. That said, the Warriors will seemingly have to make an offer that the Pelicans can’t refuse, and Kuminga could be a realistic starting point.
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