Golden State Warriros: Reasons for and against trading Jonathan Kuminga before the Trade Deadline

Friday, 02 February 2024 at 05:58

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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Jonathan Kuminga and his situation with the Golden State Warriors. At 21 years old, the promising forward is in the midst of his best season as a pro, averaging 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

However, the reality of the Warriors, ranked below .500 and 12th in the Western Conference, has sparked debates about the viability of keeping Kuminga on the team. In an analysis by Sportskeeda's Kevin McCormick, we look at reasons for and against his potential trade.

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Reasons for transferring Jonathan Kuminga:.

1) Value:The main reason to consider trading Jonathan Kuminga lies in his growing value around the league. Despite being a lottery pick, Kuminga has shown emerging potential that could be tapped in a trade. The Warriors, led by Curry, Thompson and Green, need to bolster their roster with an impact player, and Kuminga could be the bargaining chip to acquire an All-Star level talent.

2) Off-the-Court Problems:The relationship between Kuminga and coach Steve Kerr has been the subject of controversy, with the player expressing frustrations over his limited playing time. Reports of a loss of trust in the coach suggest that this disconnect could affect the player's performance in the future. Management could see this situation as a legitimate reason to move on from Kuminga.

3) Adjustment:Kuminga's limitations, especially in terms of his threat from beyond the arc, pose challenges to his integration into the Warriors' game dynamics. The inability to share the court with Draymond Green due to similarities in their playing styles affects not only Kuminga's playing time, but also his development as a player. A trade would allow the Warriors to look for a piece that better fits their needs.

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Reasons for keeping Jonathan Kuminga:.

1) Embrace the Future:With a 20-24 record and the reality that the Warriors are not title contenders this season, the option to embrace the future becomes relevant. Curry, Thompson and Green are all hovering around 30 years old, and the franchise could benefit from building around young talent like Kuminga. His potential to be a key piece in the next phase of the franchise makes a compelling argument in favor of retaining him.

2) Recent Play:Kuminga's recent string of standout performances, averaging 25.1 points and 6.7 rebounds over his last seven games, suggests significant offensive development. His ability to take on an increased workload could be essential for the Warriors, both now and in the future. Keeping Kuminga could be strategic, considering his recent performance and continued potential.