As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, the chatter around Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga continues to pick up steam - and there’s a new twist that’s turning heads.
On a recent episode of the Run It Back podcast, former NBA forward Chandler Parsons floated a trade idea that could shake up two franchises heading in very different directions. His proposal? Send Kuminga to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.
At first glance, it’s a bold swing. But dig a little deeper, and you start to see why Parsons - and others around the league - think it might just work for both sides.
Let’s start with Porter Jr., who’s quietly putting together a career year in Brooklyn. Through 36 games, he’s averaging 24.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting a strong 47.8% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. That’s elite-level production from the wing, and it’s no wonder Parsons believes the Warriors should pounce while his trade value is sky-high.
“I immediately think Golden State,” Parsons said. “He’s exactly what they need.”
And he’s not wrong. The Warriors have struggled to find consistent offensive firepower outside of Stephen Curry, and Porter Jr.’s ability to score at all three levels could be a major boost. His size and shooting would fit seamlessly into Golden State’s system, giving them another weapon to stretch defenses and take pressure off their aging core.
Porter’s journey hasn’t been linear - once the top high school prospect in the country, injuries derailed his college career and slowed his early NBA development. But now, fully healthy and thriving in Brooklyn, he’s showing why scouts were so high on him in the first place. The idea of seeing him in a Warriors jersey, competing for a title, is an intriguing one.
On the flip side, Parsons sees Brooklyn as a landing spot where Kuminga could finally spread his wings. The 21-year-old forward has had a rocky run in Golden State.
Despite flashes of explosive talent and two-way potential, he’s struggled to find a consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. And now, with a bone bruise in his left knee sidelining him, his future in the Bay feels more uncertain than ever.
Before the injury, Kuminga was averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 20 games - solid numbers, but not quite the leap many hoped he’d make in year four. Still, the upside is undeniable. He’s a high-flying athlete with defensive versatility and raw scoring ability, and in the right situation, he could blossom into a cornerstone piece.
“The Brooklyn Nets are where they’re at right now as a franchise,” Parsons said. “They could take on a Kuminga and be one of their pieces moving forward, so it makes sense.”
For the Nets, a deal like this would signal a continued focus on the future. They’re not in win-now mode, and acquiring a young, high-ceiling player like Kuminga could align with a longer-term rebuild. Meanwhile, the Warriors - still trying to squeeze another title run out of the Curry-Draymond-Klay core - would get a plug-and-play scorer who can contribute right away.
It’s the kind of trade that checks boxes for both teams: Brooklyn gets youth and upside; Golden State gets veteran production and a better chance to compete in the loaded Western Conference.
Of course, whether this deal actually materializes is another story. Trade season is filled with hypotheticals, and front offices are constantly weighing long-term vision against short-term gain. But Parsons’ proposal isn’t just hot-take fodder - it’s rooted in basketball logic, and it taps into the very real crossroads both franchises are facing.
As the deadline draws closer, keep an eye on Kuminga. His name isn’t just floating around the rumor mill - it’s gaining traction. And if the Warriors decide it’s time to pivot, a deal like this might be the kind of shakeup that benefits everyone involved.