The Golden State Warriors are in a bind this summer with the restricted free agency of former No. 5 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga, who was drafted as a high-potential prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft, has developed into a decent 3-and-D forward. However, his flashes of talent show he could be one of the premier forwards in the NBA.
Despite faith from the Warriors’ front office, Kuminga hasn’t been able to emerge as a star on the Warriors. Something about the team’s playstyle seems incongruent with him, especially after the team acquired Jimmy Butler. With his restricted free agency coming and Kuminga expecting to be rewarded like a top-tier young star on a rookie max, we might see the franchise decide to move on from him.
If they do trade a high-potential prospect like Kuminga, they have to ensure it boosts the team’s chances at winning now after the fantastic winning basketball the Stephen Curry and Butler duo has shown so far. The Indiana Pacers might be the perfect destination.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW)
This deal sees the Pacers not only receive a star they can unlock with Tyrese Haliburton and the team’s general offensive style of play but also a first-round pick for moving on from two winning rotational players. Two rotation players for two rotation players might be a solid deal, with the Warriors giving up a pick, given the players they are receiving have much better win-now capabilities than the ones they’re giving up.
The Warriors Add Two Perfect Winning Players
The Warriors have one of the most unique offensive systems in the NBA. Their motion offense isn’t easy to adjust to for most players, with even coach Steve Kerr making adjustments to their style over the years to make it friendlier for newer players to adapt to. This trade would further build that philosophy by adding two complementary players that can accentuate their style enough to make them title contenders again.
Myles Turner is averaging 15.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks this season. The 3-and-D forward will be the best rim protector the Warriors have had in years. With Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler guarding the perimeter, Turner can have one of the best defensive seasons of his career and transform the Warriors.
He’ll be an easy fit into their offense with his ability to play on the perimeter as well as punish mismatches in the post.
Aaron Nesmith is an excellent role-playing forward, averaging 11.7 points and 3.8 rebounds this season. The Warriors need depth behind their aging core to play at a high level, with Nesmith proving he can be the perfect glue guy on the wing. Whether he’s coming off the bench or starting, he’s guaranteed to make an impact.
The Pacers Take A Risk And Stay Young
This won’t be an easy deal for the Pacers to stomach due to the proven fit of Turner alongside their young core and Pascal Siakam. It doesn’t seem like the Pacers are keen on paying Turner a lucrative long-term contract extension at this point, so arranging a sign-and-trade where they get a high-quality player in return would be the ideal way to move forward.
Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season. An injury in January ruined the momentum he was building for himself early in the season, and now he looks a little out of sync with the new-look Warriors.
He’s a talented scorer who can have a big impact as a defender. He’s a modern wing and fits the archetype of the kind of forward the Pacers need next to Haliburton and Siakam going forward.
Trayce Jackson-Davis is completing his sophomore year in the NBA, averaging 6.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. He’d be a body they can throw at center after health and contract uncertainty for backups James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson this season. There’s a hole to fill at center, but the Pacers could even patch that up with Siakam minutes at the position.
Both Teams Find The Right Path Forward
This deal will give the Warriors the best winning chances right now, especially with modern cap realities not allowing them to build a mammoth contender like they could before. Acquiring Turner in this sign-and-trade is the best way for them to compete among the best next season.
Moving off the 29-year-old Turner for the 22-year-old Kuminga could benefit the Pacers in the long term, as the team is still finalizing its competitive core for championship contention. It gives them a more dynamic player who can be deployed in multiple roles, but he carries the risk of underperforming and hurting the team.
