February is here, and with it comes the final sprint toward the NBA trade deadline. Teams have until February 5 to make their move-whether that’s a bold swing for a star or a strategic tweak to shore up the rotation for a playoff push. And as we’ve seen already, the wheels are turning.
Over the weekend, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, and Chicago Bulls pulled off a three-team trade that could end up helping all sides. But the ripple effects of that deal might just be getting started-especially if the Golden State Warriors decide to jump into the fray.
There’s growing buzz that Golden State could be eyeing a move centered around Jonathan Kuminga, with a recently traded 6-foot-7 wing possibly in their sights. That wing? De’Andre Hunter, who just landed in Sacramento as part of the aforementioned three-team deal.
Now, the Kings may very well intend to keep Hunter. According to reports, Sacramento is intrigued by the idea of pairing him with Keegan Murray-two long, switchable forwards who can stretch the floor and hold their own defensively. That’s a legitimate vision for a team trying to build around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
But with the deadline looming, don’t rule out the possibility that Hunter could be flipped again-this time to the Bay Area.
For the Warriors, Hunter isn’t the dream scenario. He’s more of a plan B. But given the circumstances, he might be a necessary one.
Golden State is in a tough spot. They’re short-handed, and they’re missing a major piece with Jimmy Butler out for the season due to an ACL injury.
That’s a brutal blow for a team that came into the year with playoff aspirations and a win-now mindset. And with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, standing pat might not be an option.
Sure, a blockbuster deal for someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the ultimate prize. But that’s a moonshot.
A more realistic path? Adding a versatile, two-way wing like Hunter who can help stabilize the rotation and bring some much-needed size and defense to the perimeter.
Hunter’s game fits the Warriors’ system: he can hit the corner three, defend multiple positions, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of player who can elevate a team when plugged into the right role.
And for Golden State, it may come down to timing. With the deadline just days away, they could wait until the final hours to make a move-gauging the market, weighing their options, and seeing if the right deal materializes.
Whether it’s Hunter, someone else, or no move at all, the Warriors are a team to watch closely as the clock ticks down. They’ve got decisions to make-and not much time to make them.