The Golden State Warriors are entering a pivotal stretch in their franchise timeline. With Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level but now 37 years old, the front office is walking a tightrope between keeping their championship window alive and developing their next generation of stars.
One player at the center of this balancing act is Jonathan Kuminga, the 21-year-old forward whose athleticism and upside have intrigued fans but whose role within Steve Kerr’s system has remained inconsistent. A new trade idea could finally bring clarity for both sides, while addressing needs for two Western Conference teams looking to take the next step.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, GG Jackson
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
The proposed deal would see the Warriors acquire veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and promising forward GG Jackson from the Memphis Grizzlies, in exchange for Kuminga via a sign-and-trade agreement worth $100 million over four years.
The transaction would balance both rosters, provided it is completed after August 15, 2025, due to Caldwell-Pope’s trade restriction following his recent move from Orlando.
The Warriors Get Two Valuable Pieces
From Golden State’s perspective, this move is about maximizing the Curry era while adding both immediate help and long-term potential.
Caldwell-Pope, 31, remains one of the league’s most respected 3-and-D specialists, despite a slight statistical dip last season. He averaged 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.2% from three.
His efficiency from deep may have regressed, but his defensive versatility and championship experience, having won titles with both the Lakers in 2020 and the Nuggets in 2023, make him exactly the kind of role player Golden State thrives with.
On a team featuring Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, Pope could provide a stabilizing two-way presence in the backcourt, capable of defending multiple positions while spacing the floor.
The addition of GG Jackson adds an intriguing developmental piece to the Warriors’ rotation. The 19-year-old had an encouraging rookie campaign in 2023-24 but was limited to just 29 games last season due to injury.
He still averaged 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 37.2% shooting from the field and 33.7% from deep. His length, mobility, and raw scoring instincts fit the kind of long-term talent Golden State needs as they prepare for life after their core veterans. Jackson remains on his rookie deal, earning just $2.2 million this year and $2.4 million next season, giving the Warriors a cost-controlled asset as the luxury tax looms.
The Grizzlies Get A Potential All-Star
For Memphis, this trade would be about making a calculated bet on Kuminga’s star potential. The 2021 seventh overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting last season, despite fluctuating minutes and reported tension with the Warriors’ coaching staff.
His combination of explosive athleticism, defensive versatility, and improved midrange scoring could fit perfectly alongside Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., giving the Grizzlies another dynamic forward who can thrive in transition and pressure defenses in the halfcourt.
While Kuminga has shown flashes of being a two-way star, his relationship with Golden State has been rocky. Reports have suggested he declined a recent contract extension offer and expressed dissatisfaction with his role.
Trade rumors have linked him to the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, but the Warriors have so far resisted pulling the trigger without a return they deem worthy. Memphis, however, could be an ideal landing spot, offering him the chance to expand his game on a younger roster while still competing in the West.
A Sign-And-Trade Deal Can Help Out Both Teams
The financial logistics are workable due to the sign-and-trade format. Kuminga’s new $25 million annual salary (averaging $100 million over four years) would match well with Memphis’ outgoing package of Caldwell-Pope’s $21.6 million and Jackson’s rookie-scale deal.
The only holdup is the August 15 restriction on Caldwell-Pope, which prevents him from being aggregated in a multi-player trade until two months after his last transaction.
If finalized, the Warriors would walk away with a proven championship role player and a young forward who can grow into a bigger role. The Grizzlies would land a high-upside forward ready to contribute now and potentially blossom into an All-Star alongside their young core.
For Golden State, it’s a move that keeps them competitive in the short term without completely sacrificing the future. For Memphis, it’s a swing for upside that could pay off for years. And for Kuminga, it might finally mean a stable role on a team ready to unleash his full potential.
If the Warriors believe their title window is still open, this could be the kind of smart, balanced deal that gives Curry and company one last real shot, while also planting seeds for what comes next.
