If the Golden State Warriors are going to make a serious push this season, Jonathan Kuminga might end up being the piece that unlocks the next chapter of their roster evolution.
With Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler reportedly off-limits in trade talks, all signs point to Kuminga as the Warriors’ most intriguing trade chip as the deadline looms. And while Golden State sits at 26-22-eighth in the Western Conference-the front office knows that just being in the playoff mix isn’t enough.
Not with Stephen Curry still playing elite basketball in his 17th season. They need reinforcements, and fast.
One possible scenario? A deal that would send Kuminga and a 2027 first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for 6-foot-9 center Jarrett Allen. It’s a hypothetical, but it’s one that makes a lot of basketball sense for both sides.
Let’s start with what Allen brings. He’s not going to stretch the floor, but that’s not what the Warriors would be asking of him.
What he does provide is vertical spacing as a lob threat, elite finishing around the rim, and strong interior defense. Since entering the league in 2017, Allen has never shot below 58.9% from the field-a testament to his efficiency and shot selection.
He’s the kind of player who thrives in the paint, does the dirty work, and doesn’t need touches to impact the game.
For Golden State, that’s a big deal. Their current frontcourt rotation has been inconsistent, and Allen’s presence would add a level of stability and rim protection they’ve lacked. He’d also give them a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Curry, something they haven’t consistently had since the days of a healthy Andrew Bogut or JaVale McGee.
From Cleveland’s perspective, the emergence of Evan Mobley has changed the equation. Mobley’s ability to play either the 4 or the 5 gives the Cavs lineup flexibility, and that opens the door to potentially moving Allen-if the return is right.
Kuminga, still just 21 years old, has shown flashes of becoming a two-way force. He’s athletic, improving offensively, and has the tools to become a high-level defender.
Pairing him with Mobley would give Cleveland a dynamic, switchable frontcourt with long-term upside.
Of course, this isn’t the blockbuster move Warriors fans might be dreaming about. It’s not a splashy superstar trade. But if Golden State is unwilling to move both Kuminga and a premium draft asset-or if the market simply doesn’t yield a bigger name-then Allen could represent the kind of high-impact addition that keeps the Warriors competitive without mortgaging their future.
And that’s the balance the Warriors are trying to strike: upgrading the roster without giving up too much of what could be their next core. Kuminga’s development has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise up-and-down season. But if the Warriors believe their window with Curry is still open, they may have to make a tough call.
Allen isn’t a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of player who can win you playoff games. And for a team still trying to squeeze every ounce out of its championship DNA, that might be exactly what they need.