“Significant Talent Downgrade”: Warriors Insider Evaluates Potential Heat Sign-and-Trade for Jonathan Kuminga

The Golden State Warriors have a few questions to answer this offseason. A second-round elimination at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves was not exactly where they had expected to end up in the playoffs. To make matters worse, Golden State has to deal with Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation.

The forward’s tenure with the Warriors has been a rollercoaster of emotions. He went from wanting to move out to becoming an imperative piece to their success to falling out of the rotation again. Regardless, his talent is undeniable. Considering how old the Warriors’ core is, Kuminga’s youth gives Golden State hope for the future.

Unfortunately, his and the team’s timelines don’t seem to be on the same page. Now that he’s approaching restricted free agency, the front office will have a difficult decision to make. However, the situation may open avenues that could benefit the Warriors, including a reunion with a former fan favorite.

The Warriors will be able to match any offer Kuminga receives. The problem lies with the potential contract he could sign.

NBA cap expert Bobby Marks expects Kuminga to receive a deal in the ballpark of $81 million for 3 years. That would be a significant rise from the 4-year, $24 million deal he has with the Warriors currently.

As things stand, most teams don’t have the cap space to sign Kuminga outright. Most scenarios would involve a sign-and-trade for the 6-foot-8 forward to land a new home. Warriors analyst Matt Kolsky suggested the Miami Heat as a viable option.

“With all due respect to the wonderful two-way Wiggs, [Kuminga] and [Moses Moody] for [Andrew Wiggins] is a significant talent downgrade,” Kolsky said.

Miami has been one of the few teams that have an eye on Kuminga. One way they can make a deal work is by sending Wiggins back to Golden State for Kuminga. Although it’s a guarantee that Wiggins will fit with this Warriors roster, they will be mortgaging their future to compete now.

Also, Moody would have to be included in a deal to make the money work. Adding a player such as Wiggins would certainly bolster the team’s defense. However, it won’t solve their problem at the center position.

If the Warriors are so keen on trading Kuminga, those efforts should be put into acquiring a competent big man. The Timberwolves series was a perfect example of what a lack of big man depth will do come playoff time. Quentin Post has been greater than expected, but he isn’t what the team needs to truly be a title contender.

All these questions will have answers once free agency officially begins on July 6. And time will tell if Kuminga has played his final game with the Warriors or not.