Jonathan Kuminga’s time with the Golden State Warriors appears to be approaching a crossroads. After a summer of contract talks that didn’t lead to a long-term commitment, and a recent slide out of Steve Kerr’s rotation, the former lottery pick is suddenly looking more like a trade chip than a foundational piece.
But make no mistake - the Warriors aren’t just going to move him for the sake of shaking things up. Any deal involving Kuminga would need to align with the franchise’s long-term vision, especially as they try to balance the twilight of the Steph Curry era with whatever comes next.
One name that’s reportedly caught Golden State’s attention? Trey Murphy III.
According to league sources, Murphy is a player the Warriors have been eyeing for some time. The New Orleans Pelicans wing brings a versatile, two-way skill set that fits snugly into the Warriors’ system - think floor spacing, off-ball movement, and defensive switchability. If the front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob, sees Murphy as a potential future star in their system, it’s not hard to imagine them exploring ways to make a deal happen - with Kuminga potentially at the center of those talks.
The big question, of course, is how the Pelicans view Kuminga. At 23, he still boasts tantalizing upside - a high-flying athlete with flashes of shot creation and defensive versatility.
But consistency has been the issue. After a strong start to the season, Kuminga has reverted to the up-and-down performances that have defined much of his early career.
That volatility has made it tough for Kerr to trust him in key moments, and it’s likely impacted his trade value around the league.
As one league insider put it, the feedback on Kuminga from New Orleans has been “mixed.” And with the trade deadline approaching, it’s hard to know what’s real and what’s just smoke. This is the season of posturing, after all.
On the other hand, Murphy looks like a tailor-made fit for Golden State’s brand of basketball. He’s a long, athletic wing who can shoot the three, defend multiple positions, and thrive without needing the ball in his hands - all traits that have historically thrived in Kerr’s motion-heavy offense.
Last season, Murphy averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting a solid 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. That kind of production - especially on a team that already has a strong offensive core - is the kind of upside that’s hard to ignore.
But here’s the catch: New Orleans isn’t exactly in the business of giving away young talent. Murphy has carved out a key role in their rotation, and the Pelicans have their own aspirations in the Western Conference.
Even if Kuminga is the centerpiece, prying Murphy loose won’t be easy. It would likely take more than just a straight swap - and the Warriors would need to be confident that Murphy is worth the price.
Still, it’s not hard to see why Golden State is intrigued. With Curry still playing at an elite level but Father Time looming, the Warriors are walking a tightrope between contending now and building for the future. Murphy offers a rare chance to do both - a player who can contribute immediately while also growing into a bigger role down the line.
Whether the Pelicans are willing to play ball remains to be seen. But if the Warriors are serious about reshaping their roster around a new generation of talent, don’t be surprised if Trey Murphy III remains at the top of their wishlist.