The deadline for Jonathan Kuminga’s contract extension passed without a deal, meaning he’ll become a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. While Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance, the Warriors might look to cash in on his potential through a trade to maximize their championship window. Rumors have linked the Warriors to names like Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram, both of whom could make a huge impact alongside Stephen Curry as Golden State chases another title.
An All-Out Bid For Jimmy Butler
Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, 2026 First-Round Pick
Jimmy Butler’s contract situation with the Miami Heat has become a focal point of speculation. With Butler declining an extension offer and likely to opt out of his $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season, the Heat could face a tough decision if they don’t feel poised for a title run this year. Although Butler has expressed loyalty to Miami, rumors persist that the Heat might be forced to entertain trade offers before losing him in free agency.
A potential trade sending Butler to the Warriors, with Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and De’Anthony Melton heading to Miami, would shake up both teams. For Golden State, Butler would immediately raise their championship ceiling. Last season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while shooting 49.9% from the field, showing his ability to contribute efficiently on both ends. His leadership, defensive tenacity, and knack for performing in clutch moments would fit perfectly alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
From Miami’s perspective, Jonathan Kuminga would be the key piece. At 21, Kuminga showed signs of significant growth, particularly after January 2024, when he averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. His combination of athleticism, defensive potential, and offensive upside make him a prime candidate for Miami’s player development system. Kuminga could form a formidable frontcourt with Bam Adebayo, giving the Heat a youthful core to build around in the post-Butler era.
Andrew Wiggins would provide immediate impact on both ends for Miami. He’s a proven scorer and a versatile defender, averaging 13.2 points, 4.55 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season. Wiggins, who was crucial to Golden State’s 2022 title, could be a steady veteran presence in Miami’s starting lineup. His defense would help mitigate the loss of Butler, and his ability to score efficiently would complement Tyler Herro.
De’Anthony Melton adds further value to the Heat’s backcourt, giving them a versatile guard who can defend multiple positions and hit three-pointers at a solid clip. Last season with the 76ers, Melton averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 36% from three. He’d give Miami another high-energy role player, perfect for their system.
For the Warriors, adding Butler would come with risks, particularly due to his age and injury history. However, his ability to elevate his play in the postseason might be worth the gamble. In the playoffs, Butler consistently raises his game, as evidenced by his 26.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during Miami’s 2023 Finals run. His winning mentality could be exactly what Golden State needs to make one last deep playoff push while their core is still intact.
Brandon Ingram Could Be A Great Wing
Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, 2026 First-Round Pick
Brandon Ingram has been at the center of trade discussions as the Pelicans weigh their long-term direction. With only one year left on his contract, Ingram’s future in New Orleans is uncertain, making him a potential trade candidate. Ingram’s deal, which pays him about $33.8 million for the 2024-25 season, makes him a valuable asset not only because of his talent but also due to his contract status. If the Pelicans don’t feel confident in re-signing him long-term, they might look to move him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
Ingram’s fit with the Warriors would be ideal, as he brings size, scoring, and playmaking. Last season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over 64 games, demonstrating his ability to take on a primary offensive role. His shot creation and versatility would allow Golden State to diversify their attack, easing some of the pressure on Stephen Curry and giving the Warriors another offensive weapon. Ingram can score from all three levels, and his playmaking has continued to improve, making him a dual threat that fits perfectly in Steve Kerr’s system.
For the Pelicans, trading Ingram for a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga could represent a strategic shift towards building around Zion Williamson. Kuminga’s athleticism and upside could make him a future star in New Orleans, especially under the Pelicans’ developmental program. Adding Andrew Wiggins gives the Pelicans a proven scorer and defender, and Gary Payton II brings elite perimeter defense and hustle, providing immediate value to the team.
Golden State would be betting on Ingram’s ability to elevate them in a stacked Western Conference. His length and defensive potential would add to the Warriors’ already strong team defense, while his shot creation would open up more space for Curry. The risk for the Warriors lies in Ingram’s health, as he missed 18 games last season, but his talent and contract status make him a worthy target for a team in win-now mode.
Meanwhile, for the Pelicans, this trade allows them to secure a younger, more flexible roster with the potential for long-term growth. Kuminga’s upside could be exactly what they need to build a sustainable contender, while Wiggins and Payton II help keep them competitive in the short term. Plus, the 2026 first-round pick gives New Orleans even more assets to build around their younger pieces like Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, or Jordan Hawkins in the future.
Jerami Grant Could Add Defensive Versatility
Warriors receive: Jerami Grant
Trail Blazers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, 2028 First-Round Pick
Jerami Grant has become a potential trade target for teams looking to add a two-way wing player, and the Warriors could benefit greatly from his services. After signing a five-year, $160 million contract with the Trail Blazers, Grant is locked in through the 2028-29 season. However, with Portland entering a rebuild following Damian Lillard’s departure, moving Grant for young assets and draft picks could align better with their long-term plans.
Grant’s performance last season showcased his value as a consistent scorer and defender. He averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 54 games for the Blazers, while shooting 40.1% from three. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a perfect fit for the Warriors’ system. Grant would give Golden State a reliable scoring option and a versatile defender who can handle assignments against top wings in the Western Conference.
For the Trail Blazers, a trade centered around Jonathan Kuminga offers them a chance to add a young, high-upside player to their core. Kuminga, with his athleticism and defensive potential, could thrive in Portland’s system, especially with the team focusing on player development. Adding Andrew Wiggins to the mix would give the Blazers a proven scorer and defender, providing immediate value while they build for the future. Wiggins’ experience and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor would help Portland remain competitive during their rebuild.
In addition to Kuminga and Wiggins, the 2028 first-round pick gives the Blazers a valuable asset for their long-term plans. As Portland looks to build around young stars like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, acquiring future picks will give them flexibility in the draft or as trade assets in future moves.
For the Warriors, the addition of Grant could significantly boost their title hopes. His defensive versatility would allow Golden State to match up better against elite wing players, while his offensive contributions would provide another reliable scoring option alongside Stephen Curry. Grant’s ability to play both forward positions adds to the Warriors’ depth and flexibility, allowing them to mix and match lineups based on their opponents.
Although trading Kuminga and Wiggins is a steep price, the Warriors are in win-now mode with their core aging. Grant’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could be the missing piece Golden State needs to make another deep playoff run, making the trade worth the gamble.
Jalen Duren Could Be The Warriors’ Long-Term Answer At Center
Warriors receive: Jalen Duren
Pistons receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Jalen Duren has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young centers in the NBA, and the Warriors could view him as the ideal long-term solution for their interior defense. Still on his rookie contract, Duren’s combination of rebounding, shot-blocking, and offensive efficiency makes him an attractive trade target for a team looking to secure their future in the paint. With the Pistons currently building around their young perimeter talent like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, they might be willing to entertain offers that could give them even more future assets.
Duren’s performance during the 2023-24 season solidified his place as one of the best young big men in the league. He averaged 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 61 games, while shooting an impressive 61.9% from the field. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim would make an immediate impact on the Warriors, who have often struggled with size and rebounding in recent years. Duren’s athleticism and mobility also fit perfectly in Golden State’s fast-paced, switch-heavy defense, giving them a key piece for their future.
For the Pistons, trading Duren for a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga and two future first-round picks offers them a chance to accelerate their rebuild. Kuminga, with his explosive athleticism and potential to develop into a star, fits into Detroit’s young core alongside Cunningham and Ivey. The two future first-round picks in 2026 and 2028 give the Pistons additional draft capital to continue building a competitive roster for the future.
From Golden State’s perspective, Duren’s ability to defend, rebound, and run the floor would complement the team’s existing core. He could thrive alongside Draymond Green, who would help mentor the young big man on defense, and Stephen Curry, whose playmaking would unlock easy scoring opportunities for Duren at the rim. Duren’s presence would also reduce the defensive burden on Green, allowing him to focus on other aspects of the game.
The biggest risk for the Warriors in this trade is parting with Kuminga and their future picks, but the potential reward of acquiring a young, impact center like Duren makes it worth considering. Duren could be the anchor they’ve been missing, allowing the Warriors to remain competitive in the short term while also securing a key piece for the post-Curry era.
For the Pistons, the trade would provide flexibility and an opportunity to build around their young perimeter players while continuing to develop Kuminga’s potential. The additional draft capital would give Detroit the resources to either draft more young talent or package the picks in future deals to further strengthen their roster.
