Jonathan Kuminga’s name is back in the trade conversation, and it’s not hard to see why. The 21-year-old forward has become one of the more intriguing young talents in the league - a high-flying athlete with the kind of two-way upside that teams are always hunting for.
After spending the offseason deep in contract talks with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga ultimately inked a new deal before the season tipped off. But that hasn’t silenced the chatter about his long-term future in the Bay.
Now, the Indiana Pacers are reportedly keeping a close eye on him - and have been for a while. According to league sources, Indiana has been quietly scouting Kuminga since the start of the 2024-25 season, and their interest hasn’t cooled. The fit makes sense on paper: Kuminga’s rim-attacking ability, defensive versatility, and transition speed would mesh well with Rick Carlisle’s up-tempo system, especially once Tyrese Haliburton returns to orchestrate the offense.
Haliburton’s presence could be a game-changer for Kuminga. With a pass-first floor general who thrives in transition and can stretch defenses with his shooting, Kuminga would have more room to operate and more opportunities to showcase his offensive game - particularly his slashing and finishing ability. It’s the kind of environment that could help unlock the next level of his development.
Of course, the Pacers aren’t the only team with Kuminga on their radar. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have also shown interest dating back to the summer, and they’re expected to remain in the mix as the trade deadline approaches. The Chicago Bulls had previously considered a move for Kuminga, though it’s unclear whether they’ll re-enter the conversation this time around.
For now, Kuminga remains a key piece of Steve Kerr’s rotation. Through 14 games this season, he’s averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Those are solid numbers for a player still carving out his role on a veteran-heavy team. But it’s fair to wonder whether a larger offensive role - something he’d likely get in Indiana - might accelerate his growth.
The Pacers, for their part, have a deep pool of young talent that could be used to construct a compelling trade package. But the question is whether they’d be willing to part with a core rotation player to land Kuminga - and whether Golden State, with championship ambitions still in focus, would be willing to trade a rising talent for anything short of a win-now contributor.
That’s the tension at the heart of any potential deal. The Warriors are trying to thread a difficult needle: remain competitive with their veteran core while developing their next generation of stars. Kuminga represents that future - but he also represents value on the trade market, especially to a team like Indiana that’s looking to make a leap in the East.
What’s clear is this: Kuminga has options, and so do the Warriors. Whether that leads to a move before the deadline or just more speculation remains to be seen. But if he does hit the trade block, expect the Pacers - and a few others - to be right there, ready to make a call.