With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Golden State Warriors are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch. Sitting at a crossroads between the remnants of a dynastic core and the promise of their younger talent, the front office-led by GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.-is reportedly weighing its options carefully. There’s a clear sense of urgency, but also a commitment to making the right kind of move, not just any move.
One of the biggest questions hanging over the team is the future of Jonathan Kuminga. The young forward, brimming with potential and athleticism, has reportedly requested a trade.
But that doesn’t mean the Warriors are rushing to ship him out. They’re not in a position where they have to deal him-he’s still under team control and has shown flashes of being a high-impact player.
The key here is value. If Kuminga is going to be moved, the return has to be significant-someone who helps now and aligns with the long-term vision.
That’s why names like DeMar DeRozan, while intriguing on the surface, don’t seem to be gaining real traction inside the Warriors’ front office. DeRozan is still a bucket-getter-no doubt about that-but he’s also in the latter stages of his career. For a team trying to bridge the gap between Steph Curry’s prime and whatever comes next, that kind of short-term play might not be enough.
According to reports, the Warriors’ front office has bigger aspirations. They’re not just looking to patch holes-they want to reshape the roster in a way that sets them up for sustained success. That’s where someone like Trey Murphy III comes into the picture.
Murphy, a rising wing with the New Orleans Pelicans, checks a lot of boxes. He’s young, he’s athletic, he can shoot the three, and he defends-exactly the kind of player who could thrive in Golden State’s system.
The Warriors have reportedly had strong interest in him for some time, and it’s not hard to see why. He fits the mold of the modern NBA wing and could grow alongside the next generation of Warriors while contributing right away.
But as always, there’s a catch: New Orleans isn’t exactly eager to part with him. The same goes for Herb Jones, another Pelicans wing who’s drawn interest around the league.
The ball is in the Pelicans’ court. If they decide to open the door to a deal, the Warriors are expected to be aggressive.
Dunleavy appears to be playing the long game here. He’s not just trying to salvage this season-he’s trying to build something sustainable. The Warriors have been in win-now mode for nearly a decade, but the smart move might be threading the needle between staying competitive and laying the groundwork for the future.
So as the deadline nears, keep an eye on Golden State. They’re not just looking to make noise-they’re looking to make the right kind of move. Whether that means parting with Kuminga or holding firm, one thing’s clear: this team isn’t standing still.