One NBA analyst believes the Golden State Warriors could move Jonathan Kuminga in exchange for a center who fits well alongside Stephen Curry.
The situation around Kuminga has become increasingly unstable, and the Warriors appear to be running out of time to sort things out.
After a difficult contract negotiation, Kuminga eventually agreed to a $48.6 million deal this summer.
Kuminga got off to a decent start under Steve Kerr but has since fallen out of favour and is now coming off the bench again.
With Kuminga frustrated about his current role, January 15th could be an important date as Golden State looks for ways to improve their roster through trades.
Jake Fischer links Kuminga and Turner in potential trade scenario
Jake Fischer has suggested that the Golden State Warriors could look to acquire Myles Turner in a deal involving Jonathan Kuminga.
The salaries of both players are fairly similar, and Golden State has had their eye on Turner before. With a Giannis Antetokounmpo move looking more likely, the Warriors may be able to take advantage if the Bucks start moving pieces.
“An interesting potential salary match for Golden State in Kuminga’s salary range would be Bucks center Myles Turner, who’s earning $25.1 million this season,” Fischer said.
“Don’t forget that the Warriors have shown some real interest in Turner in the past, according to league sources, dating to well-chronicled trade discussions between Golden State and Indiana that included various concepts involving Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and Buddy Hield.
“As we reported Sunday, various teams are expected to show interest in pouncing on the Bucks’ veterans like Turner should they ultimately decide to field trade offers for the in-demand Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
What Myles Turner would solve for the Warriors
Myles Turner would fill a gap for the Warriors that’s been an issue for some time, and if he’s still with the Bucks come January 15th, trading Kuminga to get him would make a lot of sense.
He’d bring rim protection and spacing to Golden State – something they haven’t really had since DeMarcus Cousins was there. It’s not just about defence either; his skill set fits perfectly with what they need around Stephen Curry.
Turner’s contract also stands out. In today’s NBA, it’s rare to find a player with his profile on such a reasonable deal. His ability to protect the paint and space the floor makes him valuable on both ends.
Swapping Kuminga, who doesn’t seem to have a future under Kerr anyway, for Turner would address a long-standing weakness in their roster construction.
Some fans might hesitate over the idea of sending out a first-round pick as part of the deal, but context matters. If Milwaukee is moving towards a rebuild, Turner will draw plenty of interest from around the league. The Warriors may need to act quickly if they want to stay ahead of that market.
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