Nearly three years after the Golden State Warriors moved on from James Wiseman to bring back Gary Payton II, the franchise could be on the verge of a similar move - this time involving another former top-10 pick, Jonathan Kuminga.
According to multiple reports, the Warriors and Miami Heat have been actively discussing a deal that would send Kuminga to South Beach and reunite Andrew Wiggins with Golden State. It’s a potential full-circle moment for Wiggins, who was dealt to Miami less than a year ago, and now could be heading back to the Bay.
Warriors, Heat Exploring Kuminga-Wiggins Swap
The idea of a Kuminga-for-Wiggins trade has been floating around for weeks, but NBA insider Jake Fischer just gave the rumor some real traction. Fischer confirmed that both teams have had talks and are working through the framework of a potential deal.
“There’s absolutely some type of framework that’s being discussed-and has been discussed-between Golden State and Miami to send Jonathan Kuminga to the Heat and bring Andrew Wiggins back to the Warriors,” Fischer reported.
It’s a deal that would mirror the 2023 trade that saw the Warriors send Wiseman to Detroit in a multi-team move that ultimately brought Payton II back into the fold. That trade was driven by a desire to bring back a known commodity who fit seamlessly into Golden State’s system. A Wiggins reunion would follow a similar logic - a player who knows the system, has championship pedigree, and can step into a familiar role right away.
But the timing this time around is a little different - and maybe a little less favorable.
The Jimmy Butler Factor
If this trade had gone down two weeks ago, it might’ve looked like a win-win. Miami would get a young, explosive forward in Kuminga with untapped upside, and Golden State would bring back a proven two-way wing in Wiggins - someone who could slot in as a third option behind Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and take on the toughest defensive assignments.
But Butler’s season-ending ACL injury has thrown a wrench into that vision. Without him, Wiggins isn’t a complementary piece anymore - he’s the second scoring option on a team trying to stay afloat in the playoff race. That’s a tall order for a player who’s struggled with consistency since his 2022 All-Star campaign.
Golden State would essentially be reassembling the same core it had before Wiggins was traded, only this time with a few new pieces like De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford in the mix. That might help, but it’s not exactly a needle-moving upgrade.
Draft Picks Could Be the Swing Factor
The trade calculus may ultimately come down to draft capital. If the Warriors have to attach significant picks to make the deal work, the question becomes: is it worth it?
Wiggins alone isn’t going to replace what Butler brought to Miami or suddenly elevate Golden State into contender status. And for the Heat, who are clearly looking to stay competitive even without Butler, acquiring Kuminga only makes sense if they’re also getting future assets to build with.
There’s also the salary component. Wiggins is making nearly $6 million more than Kuminga this season, which means another contract - likely Buddy Hield’s - would need to be included to balance the books. That adds another layer of complexity to the deal, especially if Miami values Hield’s shooting in Butler’s absence.
Big Picture: A Familiar Pattern, but Different Stakes
If this trade goes through, it would mark the second time in three years that Golden State has parted with a young, high-upside player to bring back a familiar veteran presence. But while the Wiseman-Payton deal was about shoring up a title-contending roster, this potential Kuminga-Wiggins swap feels more like a team trying to recapture past chemistry in a season that’s already slipping away.
The Warriors are clearly trying to thread the needle - staying competitive now while not completely mortgaging the future. Whether Wiggins can help them do that remains to be seen. But if draft picks are on the table, Golden State will have to weigh just how much they’re willing to give up to bring back a player they already decided to move on from less than a year ago.
As for Miami, they’re in a different spot than they were just weeks ago. Without Butler, their ceiling this season has lowered - but their long-term outlook could get a boost if Kuminga develops into the player many believe he can be.
This is a trade that would make headlines, sure - but it’s the fine print that will determine whether it’s a smart one.