1 deal Warriors must make with 2025-26 NBA trade season underway

The Golden State Warriors are considering trading Jonathan Kuminga due to his incompatibility with the team's offensive system, which prioritizes ball and player movement around Stephen Curry. Kuminga, a slasher and mid-range shot-creator, thrives with the ball in his hands but often finds himself sidelined when Curry is healthy, leading to frequent "DNPs" (Did Not Play) and hindering his development.

Although Kuminga proved valuable during last season's playoffs when Curry was injured, the Warriors are focused on optimizing their roster around Curry, who is 37 and has limited time left. This urgency is compounded by the team's current 14-15 record, emphasizing the need for immediate upgrades to remain competitive, especially with title contention at risk if key players get injured.

A proposed trade scenario involves the Warriors acquiring Michael Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith from the Nets in exchange for Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a protected 2028 first-round pick. This move aims to bolster the wing position with players who can contribute in playoff settings without being defensive liabilities, addressing a critical need for championship success.

The Warriors are seeking cost-effective wing upgrades, as alternatives like Trey Murphy or Herb Jones would require surrendering multiple first-round picks, which the team is reluctant to do given Curry's aging timeline. Porter Jr., now a primary option for the Nets, is viewed as a more feasible target who can impact games without mortgaging the Warriors' future assets.

Overall, the Warriors must balance their immediate competitiveness with long-term planning, making a trade for Kuminga likely this season to better align with Curry's window and improve their playoff prospects through strategic roster adjustments.