The Golden State Warriors may have just seen the trade market tilt a little more in their favor-and Jonathan Kuminga could be at the center of it. With the midseason trade deadline fast approaching, the New Orleans Pelicans are emerging as a potential partner, and a recent injury to Zion Williamson might accelerate conversations between the two teams.
Zion’s Latest Setback Could Shift Pelicans’ Priorities
Zion Williamson is once again sidelined, this time with an adductor strain that’s expected to keep him out for a significant stretch. It’s his second soft tissue injury of the season, and it adds to an already troubling history of missed time. After playing just five of the last seven games since returning from a hamstring issue, this latest blow could force New Orleans to reassess how they’re building around their oft-injured star.
Williamson had just dropped 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in a loss to the Warriors before the injury news broke. But for a franchise that’s seen Zion suit up for more than 30 games only twice in six seasons, the durability concerns are impossible to ignore.
Still, moving him before the deadline-especially for a return that reflects his on-paper value-is highly unlikely. Teams aren’t lining up to take on that kind of risk, no matter the talent.
Pelicans May Look Elsewhere to Reshape Their Future
If the Pelicans want to pivot and build around their promising young core-rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have both shown flashes-they’ll need to find assets elsewhere. Trading Zion isn’t realistic right now, and injured guards like Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole aren’t exactly lighting up the market either.
That leaves Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones as the most viable trade chips. Both are young, productive, and on manageable contracts. And that’s where the Warriors might come in.
Kuminga Could Be a Piece That Unlocks a Deal
Golden State is reportedly open to moving Jonathan Kuminga, and the Pelicans’ situation could make them more open to a swap. Kuminga, while still raw in some areas, has shown enough athleticism and upside to intrigue teams looking for long-term pieces. For a Pelicans squad that may be inching toward a reset, he fits the mold.
Murphy, on the other hand, would be a clear upgrade for Golden State. He’s an athletic wing with a smooth shooting stroke and has made real strides as a shot creator and playmaker over the past year. His skill set would mesh nicely with the Warriors’ veteran core, offering floor spacing and defensive versatility without needing the ball in his hands.
From a financial standpoint, the contracts match up well. That means the conversation likely comes down to draft capital-how much the Warriors are willing to give up, and how much the Pelicans demand in return. Golden State’s future picks are especially valuable, considering the age of their core and the uncertainty of what the post-Curry era might look like.
Herb Jones: A More Realistic, Less Flashy Option
If Murphy proves too costly, Herb Jones could be the more attainable target. He’s not the offensive threat that Murphy is, but he’s a high-level defender and a career 36.5% shooter from deep. For a Warriors team that’s struggled with perimeter defense this season, Jones would be a welcome addition-and likely for a lower price.
Pelicans Facing a Crossroads
New Orleans currently sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, and with Zion sidelined again, the urgency is growing. The franchise has to decide whether to keep treading water or start reshaping the roster around their young talent. That could mean parting with rotation players like Murphy or Jones to bring in a high-upside piece like Kuminga and stockpile future picks.
For Golden State, the opportunity to add a young, playoff-ready wing who complements their current stars doesn’t come around often. If the Pelicans are ready to deal, the Warriors should be ready to talk.
There’s still time before the trade deadline, but the landscape is shifting. Zion’s injury might just be the catalyst that sets things in motion.