When the Golden State Warriors finally pulled the trigger on a deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay, it marked the end of a long, complicated chapter with Jonathan Kuminga - a player once seen as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. But make no mistake: by the time the trade happened, Kuminga’s value around the league wasn’t what it used to be.
Kuminga’s breakout came during the 2023-24 season. He averaged a career-best 16.1 points per game, flashing the kind of athleticism and scoring punch that had scouts buzzing when he was drafted seventh overall. But as promising as his development looked on paper, there were missed opportunities behind the scenes - including one that, in hindsight, stings a bit more.
According to reporting from ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors had a legitimate shot at flipping Kuminga for defensive ace Alex Caruso at the 2024 trade deadline. Internally, some viewed that moment as the ideal time to make a move. But the deal never materialized, and the Warriors held onto Kuminga.
So why the hesitation? Team sources reportedly believed that Warriors owner Joe Lacob’s vocal support of Kuminga - and his visible excitement during the forward’s big moments - came from a desire to validate the original decision to draft him. That emotional investment may have played a role in delaying a move that, in hindsight, could’ve helped Golden State in the short term.
Caruso, meanwhile, didn’t stay on the market for long. The Bulls dealt him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in June of 2024, and he wasted no time making an impact. His defensive versatility and high-IQ play were a perfect fit for a Thunder squad on the rise - a team that would go on to win the 2025 NBA title.
Caruso’s value wasn’t just in the box score. His ability to knock down timely threes, operate seamlessly off the ball, and defend anywhere from the perimeter to the post made him one of the most impactful role players in the league. That kind of two-way presence is exactly what the Warriors could’ve used to stabilize their rotation around Stephen Curry.
Still, the Warriors didn’t walk away empty-handed. They eventually moved Kuminga in a deal that brought in Porzingis - a win-now addition who gives Golden State a different kind of weapon. Porzingis stretches the floor, protects the rim, and brings playoff experience to a roster still trying to maximize the Curry window.
It’s fair to wonder what might’ve been if the Warriors had acted sooner, but in the end, they found a path forward. Kuminga gets a fresh start.
The Warriors get a proven contributor. And while the missed Caruso opportunity may linger as a “what if,” the focus now shifts to how Porzingis can help Golden State chase one more title with their core still intact.