Could CJ McCollum Be the Offensive Spark the Warriors Are Missing?
The Golden State Warriors made a tough but ultimately justified decision when they moved on from Jordan Poole. The chemistry issues were real, and his inconsistency was hard to ignore. But while the locker room may be more stable, there’s no denying the Warriors lost a dynamic offensive weapon in the process - and they haven’t quite replaced that production since.
Right now, Golden State sits 21st in offensive rating, a far cry from the high-powered attacks we’ve grown used to during their dynasty run. Outside of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, no one on the roster is averaging more than 12.5 points per game. That’s a glaring issue for a team that still wants to contend in a loaded Western Conference.
Which brings us to the latest trade concept floating around - one that would send Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran scorer CJ McCollum.
The Proposed Deal:
- Warriors Receive: CJ McCollum
- Wizards Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, 2030 second-round pick
Let’s unpack this.
What McCollum Brings to the Table
McCollum’s not a perfect player - his defense has always been a question mark, much like Poole’s was - but the man can flat-out score. He’s been one of the league’s most consistent offensive threats since breaking out in 2016, and even now, at 34, he’s averaging 18.9 points per game while shooting a blistering 40.3% from beyond the arc.
That kind of efficient shot-making is exactly what the Warriors are lacking. With defenses keying in on Curry and Butler, Golden State needs a third option who can create his own shot and stretch the floor.
McCollum fits that mold. He’s a polished scorer who doesn’t need much space to get going, and he has the playoff experience to handle big moments.
The Cost: Kuminga and Cap Flexibility
Here’s where things get tricky. Jonathan Kuminga is just 23 years old, on a team-friendly deal with a $24.3 million option for next season.
He’s shown flashes of becoming a two-way contributor with serious upside. Trading him now - especially for a guard nearing the end of a $30.7 million contract - feels like a steep price, especially when the Warriors aren’t exactly desperate to unload his salary.
This deal also includes Buddy Hield, who’s been a capable shooter but hasn’t found a consistent role in Golden State. Pairing him with Kuminga and a second-round pick for a short-term upgrade like McCollum seems like a win-now move that doesn’t fully align with the Warriors’ long-term flexibility.
Echoes of the Poole Trade
There’s a familiar tone to this proposal. Last year, Golden State brought in Chris Paul in what was widely seen as a salary dump for Poole.
Paul had his moments, but the move was more about resetting the books than reshaping the roster. This McCollum deal feels similar - less about building for the future, and more about squeezing one more run out of the Curry-Butler core.
But unlike Poole, Kuminga isn’t on a massive long-term deal. The Warriors don’t have to move him. If they do, it should be for a piece that better fits their needs - and that likely means help in the frontcourt, not another perimeter scorer.
The Verdict
There’s no question McCollum could help this team offensively. He’s a proven bucket-getter who would take some pressure off Curry and give the Warriors a reliable third option. But at what cost?
Trading Kuminga for a veteran guard on an expiring, high-priced contract doesn’t exactly scream value. And unless Golden State believes McCollum is the missing piece for a deep playoff run, this feels more like a lateral move than a leap forward.
If the Warriors are going to shake things up, they’ll need to be strategic. McCollum is a tempting option, but the front office has to ask itself - is this the best they can do with one of their most promising young assets?