Over a month has passed since the free agency window opened, and the Golden State Warriors have yet to make any noteworthy moves to improve the state of their roster.
It is apparent that the Dubs need to strengthen certain elements within their rotation. Unfortunately, solving the situation involving Jonathan Kuminga has proven to be quite the obstacle at this stage.
The Warriors still possess a solid core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. When factoring in the potential free agency signings of Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, the Dubs could even be competitive. However, this isn’t enough to contend for a title.
With their aspirations to become a championship contender in mind, we explore a potential trade idea that could address their most pressing issues, while also helping them improve their roster strength.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Zion Williamson, 2031 second-round pick
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody
With significant implications for both teams, we examine how this trade would affect them.
For the Warriors, this deal would address their biggest pressure point this offseason: Jonathan Kuminga. While there has been an indication that Golden State would prefer to retain him, after all the drama, it may be counterproductive to have him be a part of the team.
Instead, the Dubs could offload him and acquire a capable star forward in Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Acquiring Williamson comes with a lot of benefits. Considering that he could be partnering up with Curry at the 2026 Crossover Pro-Am, there is some scope for the two to become a solid duo.
The 25-year-old, when healthy, is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. Given his physical tools, athleticism, and versatile playmaking ability, the forward is capable of leveraging his skills to help contribute to victories.
Last season, Williamson recorded an average of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Although he only played in 30 games last season, it was abundantly clear that he was a difference-maker whenever he was on the floor.
On Golden State’s roster, Williamson would immediately become a key rotation piece.
When considering his ability to dominate in the painted area and around the basket, he would effectively draw defenders away from the perimeter. Both Curry and Butler would benefit from the spacing.
Inversely, Curry’s gravity and movement would create open lanes, allowing Butler and Williamson to feast in the midrange and near the rim.
His most important contribution would undoubtedly be his rebounding. While he doesn’t add a lot in length to the rotation, the 25-year-old is a reliable rebounder. This would shore up the team’s efforts while crashing the boards on both ends of the floor, potentially increasing the rate of second-chance points as well.
Along with Williamson, the Warriors would also acquire a 2031 second-round pick. While this may not align with their demands for their young star, when considering what they are acquiring instead, the Dubs may be satisfied.
Golden State wouldn’t be the only team benefiting from this deal. With the acquisitions of Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, the Pelicans also stand to gain a lot.
Acquiring Kuminga would imply a potential sign-and-trade. Given what the Pelicans committed to Williamson, it is safe to say that acquiring the 22-year-old forward would be viewed positively, even on a potential three-year, $82 million deal.
There has been a lot of interest in the forward this offseason, and for good reason. When considering his physical tools, athleticism, and shot-creation ability, Kuminga presents a lot of potential to be a star-caliber player.
The addition of Kuminga would effectively present him as a younger and fitter replacement for Zion Williamson. Although he lacks Williamson’s playmaking ability, Kuminga presents more potential as a two-way threat, while also being more readily available.
Last season, the Warriors forward recorded an average of 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. In a more significant role with the Pelicans, he could emerge as a valuable contributor for the team.
The Pelicans would also see the arrival of Moses Moody as part of this deal. The 23-year-old is certainly one of the more underrated players on the Warriors’ roster. Although he didn’t receive significant playing time, he showcased his abilities as a hardworking two-way player.
Last season, Moody put up averages of 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds, while shooting 43.3% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. While it is unlikely for him to be a starter in New Orleans, he would be invaluable as a contributor off the bench.
The arrival of Kuminga and Moody would also be significant, as it would inadvertently reunite them with former Warriors’ teammates, Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney.
With established chemistry between these four players, the Pelicans could see a drastic improvement in overall roster strength and performance.
Zion Williamson Needs To Stay Healthy
This deal undoubtedly benefits both teams, but it is also evident that the Warriors are taking on a bigger risk here than the Pelicans. As brilliant as Zion Williamson is, his injury-prone nature is a legitimate concern.
Williamson has repeatedly been criticized for his poor discipline when it comes to his health. While much of this could be exaggerated, the fact that he has only played in 129 games over the last three seasons cannot be overlooked.
Should the forward join the Warriors, Golden State would need to ensure that he remains healthy by any means necessary. When he builds momentum during the season, the 25-year-old is capable of being an All-Star-caliber player. Otherwise, the Warriors may see another failed venture on their hands.
