The Golden State Warriors are in a rather troublesome situation at the moment. By virtue of their ongoing contract negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga this summer, the Warriors have been unable to make any significant additions to their roster.
While reports have suggested that they have verbal agreements in place with key free agent targets, the concerns regarding the situation are justified, especially with training camp approaching.
At the current juncture, there have been no breakthroughs in negotiations with Kuminga, aside from the Warriors’ new offer. However, according to recent reports, the Dubs have shown some interest in New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, who was a target for a few teams this summer.
In an effort to kickstart the roster-building process, we take a look at a trade scenario that would allow the Warriors to not only land Murphy but also acquire a solid veteran big man in Kevin Love to fill out their frontcourt depth.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Trey Murphy III, Kevin Love
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 first-round pick (GSW), 2032 first-round pick (GSW), 2029 second-round pick (UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: Moses Moody
The Utah Jazz play a critical role in this deal. While acting as facilitators to send one draft pick to the Pelicans, they also play a role in helping Golden State create cap flexibility by taking on Moses Moody‘s $11.5 million contract.
Aside from this, both the Warriors and the Pelicans stand to gain a lot from this trade.
Kuminga Can Emerge As A Star In New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga expressed his desire to leave the Golden State Warriors earlier in the offseason. The forward has been open to the idea of leaving, drawing interest from the Sacramento Kings of late. This has primarily been in pursuit of a more significant role, as he hopes to develop into an All-Star one day.
In this regard, joining the Pelicans could prove to be an interesting step for the 22-year-old. New Orleans underwent some roster changes this offseason, marked by the notable departure of Brandon Ingram.
In light of this, Kuminga’s arrival could be met positively, specifically as he pairs up with former Warriors’ teammates Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney.
Last season, the Warriors forward averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three. In a more significant role, these stats could see a significant uptick. But there will be some challenges involved.
As constructed, the Pelicans boast a formidable roster on paper. With Poole and Dejounte Murray filling out the backcourt, New Orleans still features players such as Herb Jones and Zion Williamson in the forward slots.
Under such circumstances, the 22-year-old may have to carve out a place for himself in the rotation. But owing to the injury issues that tend to plague the roster, specifically with players like Williamson, Kuminga could have an opportunity to claim his place in the starting lineup.
Murphy And Love Fill Out Golden State’s Roster
For the Warriors, acquiring a capable and proven young forward, along with a veteran with championship experience, could be immensely valuable.
Trey Murphy III showcased tremendous two-way potential last season. While implementing his long wingspan and agility, the 25-year-old forward established himself as a versatile wing defender.
After earning a more significant role in the rotation last season, Murphy saw a significant increase in his production on both ends of the floor. In 53 games, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.4% overall and 36.1% from three-point range.
Murphy’s development as an offensive threat could prove to be meaningful for the Warriors, especially considering their current rotation.
When considering the fit issues with Kuminga, due to his playing style and his limited defensive contributions, Murphy appears to be an upgrade, even possessing superior perimeter shooting ability.
The 25-year-old would slot in seamlessly next to the pair of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. With improved defensive integrity on the perimeter as well, the Warriors could see an immediate increase in roster strength.
Along with Murphy, Golden State would also acquire Kevin Love from the Jazz. The former NBA champion has been rumored to be in buyout talks with Utah. Given his desire to play in a glamor market, a move to the Warriors may align with his preferences.
At this stage in his career, Love may not be a significant contributor in the rotation. But given the Warriors’ limited frontcourt depth, having an experienced big man with floor spacing abilities and high basketball IQ could be significant.
Last season, Love appeared in only 23 games for the Miami Heat. He averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, primarily acting as a perimeter threat, as he shot 35.8% from three-point range.
Given that he may find himself in a similar role with the Warriors, barring his positive presence in the locker room, Golden State could view his addition favorably, especially in the long run, as they plan their title push.
Why The Warriors Should Do This Deal
The primary reason the Warriors need to do this deal is to initiate roster construction. Given the amount of time and effort they have invested in negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga, the Dubs have lost out on opportunities to sign key free agents, leaving their roster lacking in depth.
At the current juncture, there may not be as much merit to retaining Kuminga as the franchise expects there to be, particularly because of the potential impact it will have on the locker room.
By parting ways with Kuminga, along with Moody in this proposal, the Warriors create enough cap space to extend a meaningful offer to one of their free agent targets, increasing their opportunity to become stronger.
With less than 10 days before the start of training camp and fewer than two weeks before the deadline to sign the qualifying offer for Kuminga, Golden State would be advised to make a move soon.
