With the Golden State Warriors trailing 2-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, their offseason will likely revolve around a major decision: whether to keep or move on from Jonathan Kuminga, who is set to hit restricted free agency.
Kuminga’s growth this season has made him one of Golden State’s most valuable young assets. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from deep.
His athleticism and ability to attack the rim in transition or off cuts have been vital, especially during stretches when the Warriors’ offense stagnated.Â
Yet, with Jimmy Butler now on the roster and commanding a primary scoring role, Kuminga’s touches and role could shrink, casting doubt over whether the Warriors can fully commit to his development. This uncertainty opens the door to a bold sign-and-trade scenario with the Charlotte Hornets.
Proposed Trade Details:
Golden State Warriors Receive: Mark Williams, Josh Okogie, 2027 first-round pick via the Mavericks, 2030 first-round pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
This Trade Can Help The Warriors Make Another Title Push
From Golden State’s perspective, this is about extracting maximum value before possibly losing Kuminga for nothing. Mark Williams posted averages of 15.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 60.4 percent shooting before being sidelined and traded.Â
He fills a critical need for the Warriors, who have lacked size, rim protection, and reliable interior scoring since moving on from James Wiseman.Â
While Golden State’s offensive philosophy doesn’t revolve around traditional bigs, Williams’ finishing around the rim and rebounding presence could give them a new dimension, particularly against teams like Denver or Minnesota.
Josh Okogie adds defensive grit and versatility, something Golden State’s second unit sorely needs. After arriving in Charlotte from Phoenix, Okogie averaged 8.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and continued to showcase his value as a perimeter defender and slasher.Â
The two future first-round picks, especially the 2027 selection from Dallas, give Golden State draft capital to play with either for rebuilding down the line or for making another move if they choose to go all-in with Stephen Curry still leading the charge.
Hornets Get Another Young Star
But this trade is equally significant for Charlotte.
Kuminga offers the Hornets a potential star-in-the-making, perfectly aligned with their youth movement. Adding him to a core that already includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Tre Mann gives Charlotte four highly skilled young players, all under 25, who could grow together into a dangerous long-term group.Â
Kuminga’s ability to play either forward spot, attack in transition, and guard multiple positions fits well alongside Miller’s length and LaMelo’s playmaking. Tre Mann’s steady development also allows the team to run dynamic backcourt rotations.
With Mark Williams already on the trade block following a logjam in the frontcourt and Okogie unlikely to be part of the long-term rebuild, Charlotte essentially turns two expendable rotation pieces and future picks into a 21-year-old two-way wing with All-Star upside.
The reality is this: if Golden State does not see Kuminga as part of its long-term core, this might be the perfect opportunity to pivot. For Charlotte, the upside of Kuminga outweighs the outgoing pieces.Â
For the Warriors, the return provides both short-term rotation upgrades and long-term flexibility. It’s a risk, but one that could make sense for both sides depending on how the postseason ends.
