The Golden State Warriors‘ offseason saga has been marked by numerous obstacles, primarily associated with Jonathan Kuminga‘s contract negotiations. As the situation persists, a new challenge has emerged, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
The latest trade talks with the Sacramento Kings have seen the Kings offer up Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick in exchange for Kuminga. However, this hasn’t been viewed favorably by the Warriors’ front office for several reasons, one being the potential need to part with Buddy Hield or Moses Moody. Amick tweeted:
“A quick (and belated) follow-up on the Jonathan Kuminga reporting from Friday: Anyone saying the first-round pick protections are the only obstacle to a Kings-Warriors sign-and-trade is wrong, as I’m told Golden State really doesn’t want to move either Buddy Hield or Moses Moody (which would be required).”
The consensus has suggested that the Warriors were unsatisfied with the Kings’ offer, primarily because of the protections associated with the pick. But Amick’s report presents a different outlook.
Should the Warriors hypothetically agree with the trade package, they would have to shed some salary to get under the first apron. This would require them to trade away either Moody or Hield this offseason.
Rumors early in the offseason had suggested that Golden State would be likely to part ways with Moody, but this doesn’t seem to hold anymore. When considering what the 23-year-old can bring to the table with his two-way potential, the Warriors would prefer to retain him.
Moody didn’t receive significant playing time last season, averaging 22.3 minutes per game during the regular season. Still, he found ways to be productive, averaging 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 43.3% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc.
Hield, too, seems to be viewed favorably by Golden State. After one complete season with the Warriors, the guard showcased his ability to step in and knock down some big shots when called upon.
Although he drew criticism for his shot selection, Hield still managed to have a solid debut season with the team. In 82 games, he averaged 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, while shooting 41.7% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range.
Retaining these two rotation pieces may also be necessary for the Warriors in light of their pending roster moves. With effectively no new additions to the team, Golden State needs to hold on to some key pieces to ensure they have a balanced roster heading into next season.
The Kuminga trade saga is expected to lose momentum, as Amick also added that the Warriors expect to see the forward on the team’s roster for the upcoming season.
Should the Dubs succeed in getting the 22-year-old to agree to a qualifying offer or another deal, it would allow them to complete their remaining signings, primarily the additions of Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, along with the rumored re-signing of Gary Payton II.
