As the Golden State Warriors navigate the twilight of Stephen Curry’s legendary career, the front office remains laser-focused on maximizing every remaining title window. That means everything - and everyone - is on the table, including former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga, whose potential and contract situation make him one of the team’s most intriguing trade chips.
Kuminga’s value around the league is real. He’s young, athletic, and still developing, but his role in Golden State has been inconsistent, and his contract negotiations this past summer didn’t exactly scream long-term commitment from either side. So it’s no surprise that hypothetical trade scenarios involving Kuminga are starting to surface - and one recent proposal could raise a few eyebrows in the Bay.
The suggested deal? A package that would send Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, a 2026 top-four protected first-round pick, and a 2028 pick swap to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.
Now, let’s break this down.
Porter is putting together a strong first season in Brooklyn. He’s averaging 24.3 points, 7.4 boards, and 3 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.3% from the field and 36.2% from three.
That kind of production - especially the shot-making - is exactly what the Warriors have been missing outside of Curry. Golden State’s offense has lacked a consistent secondary scorer, and Porter’s ability to create and convert could open up the floor in a way we haven’t seen since the peak of the dynasty.
But here’s the catch: Porter’s contract is hefty. He’s making $38.3 million this season and is owed $40.8 million next year.
That’s a big number for a Warriors team already deep into luxury tax territory. Still, there’s a strategic angle here.
Porter’s deal runs through 2027 - the same year Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler (if he sticks around) are set to come off the books. That alignment could give Golden State a clean slate in a few years, while still pushing for one last run with this core.
From Brooklyn’s perspective, the return package offers both upside and flexibility. Kuminga and Moody are young players with room to grow, and Hield brings shooting that could fit alongside a developing backcourt. The draft assets sweeten the pot - especially that 2026 first-rounder, even with protections.
Of course, this is all hypothetical. There’s no indication that either front office is actively pursuing this deal.
But it does speak to a larger point: the Warriors are in a delicate balancing act between chasing another ring and preparing for life after Curry. A move like this would be a bold swing - betting on Porter’s scoring to elevate them now, while giving up on young talent that could be part of the next era.
The question is whether Golden State is ready to push all their chips in for one last ride. If they are, deals like this - high risk, high reward - might be exactly the kind of gamble they need to consider.