The Golden State Warriors are staring down a pivotal moment in their season - and possibly in the final chapter of the Stephen Curry era. With Jonathan Kuminga reportedly wanting out and Jimmy Butler sidelined with a torn ACL, the Warriors are in a tight spot. But there's a proposed three-team trade on the table that could offer a lifeline, giving Golden State a much-needed scoring punch while reshuffling the roster for one more postseason push.
Here’s how the trade would break down:
Warriors receive:
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Jarred Vanderbilt
Lakers receive:
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Buddy Hield
- Gary Payton II
Nets receive:
- Rui Hachimura
- Moses Moody
- Dalton Knecht
- Gui Santos
- Trayce Jackson-Davis
- Two future first-round picks
Let’s unpack this.
For the Warriors: A Last Dance-Type Swing
Golden State’s situation with Kuminga has been deteriorating for a while. Both sides seem ready to move on, but the market for him has cooled, and the Warriors’ leverage has all but disappeared. Add in Butler’s season-ending injury, and the urgency to make a move has never been higher.
Enter Michael Porter Jr.
The 6'10" forward is putting up 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season, while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. That’s elite-level efficiency from a player who can stretch the floor, create his own shot, and slide into Butler’s role as a primary scoring option next to Curry. Porter brings instant offense and size on the wing - two things the Warriors desperately need.
Yes, trading for Porter would effectively lock the Warriors into this core for the remainder of Curry’s contract. It’s a move that sacrifices future flexibility for immediate upside.
But if you’re Golden State, and you still believe there’s one more deep playoff run left in this group, this is the kind of swing you take. You're not finding a better scoring replacement for Butler’s production without giving up even more.
Jarred Vanderbilt adds defensive versatility and toughness - a glue-guy who can guard multiple positions and do the dirty work. He’s not flashy, but he’s the kind of player championship teams always seem to have.
For the Lakers: Youth, Shooting, and Defensive Grit
The Lakers have reportedly been high on Kuminga for some time, and this deal finally brings him to L.A. He’s a high-upside forward with explosive athleticism and the tools to become a two-way force. In a system with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kuminga wouldn’t be asked to carry too much right away - but he’d have the chance to grow into a bigger role.
Adding Buddy Hield gives the Lakers a proven sharpshooter - something they’ve lacked in recent years - and Gary Payton II brings elite perimeter defense and championship experience. That trio boosts the Lakers on both ends of the floor, and it’s a win-now move that also keeps an eye on the future.
For the Nets: Asset Accumulation Mode
Brooklyn walks away with a haul of young talent and draft capital. Rui Hachimura, Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, Gui Santos, and Trayce Jackson-Davis offer a mix of upside and controllable contracts. The two future first-round picks sweeten the pot and give the Nets more flexibility as they continue to reshape the roster.
This is a classic rebuild move - stockpile assets, develop young players, and stay flexible for the next big opportunity. For a team that’s not in contention right now, it’s a smart play.
The Bottom Line
This is the kind of trade that checks boxes for all three teams. The Warriors get a proven scorer to help fill the void left by Butler and maximize what’s left of Curry’s prime.
The Lakers add a high-upside forward and two rotation-ready veterans to bolster their postseason hopes. And the Nets continue their rebuild with a deep package of prospects and picks.
For Golden State, this is about more than just salvaging a season. It’s about making one final statement with a core that’s defined a generation of basketball. If they believe there’s one more run left, this is the kind of bold move that could make it happen.