NBA Trade Buzz: Warriors Hold Firm on Kuminga, Pistons Field Calls on Ivey
As the trade deadline inches closer, front offices across the league are working the phones-but not every conversation is going anywhere. That’s especially true when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers and their reported interest in Jonathan Kuminga.
Let’s start in Golden State, where the Warriors have made one thing crystal clear: they’re not handing over Kuminga to a division rival, no matter how interested the Lakers might be. According to reports, there haven’t even been real discussions between the two sides-no offers, no traction, and certainly no momentum. Even if the Lakers were to put their lone tradable first-round pick on the table, it wouldn’t be enough to move the needle for Golden State.
The Warriors’ front office appears to be eyeing a different kind of deal. Rather than shipping Kuminga to Los Angeles, they’re reportedly looking to use his contract to upgrade on the wing-somewhere outside the Pacific Division. That’s a strategic play, not just from a roster-building standpoint, but also in terms of maintaining competitive balance within the division.
Kuminga, meanwhile, is currently dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee. While there’s no set timetable for his return, the injury isn’t expected to be a long-term concern. Still, it adds another layer of complexity to any trade scenario involving the 21-year-old forward, who’s shown flashes of high-level two-way potential.
Over in Detroit, the Pistons are in a different kind of situation. They’re reportedly listening to inquiries on Jaden Ivey, though it’s going to take a significant return for them to consider moving the former No. 5 overall pick.
The second-year guard has had a bumpy season so far, averaging a career-low 17.0 minutes per game across 29 appearances. That’s a steep drop for a player many expected to take a leap this year.
Even so, Detroit isn’t just looking to offload Ivey-they’re targeting upgrades, particularly on the wing. One name that’s surfaced in recent chatter: Pelicans forward Herb Jones. Known for his defensive versatility and high motor, Jones would fit the mold of what the Pistons seem to be seeking as they try to reshape their young core.
For Ivey, the situation is delicate. He’s approaching restricted free agency, and his role in Detroit has been inconsistent at best.
But there’s still belief around the league in his upside, especially given his athleticism and ability to get downhill. If the right offer comes along, the Pistons could be tempted-but it’s going to have to be a deal that clearly moves them forward.
With the trade deadline looming, both the Warriors and Pistons find themselves at crossroads-Golden State trying to thread the needle between development and contention, and Detroit looking to recalibrate a rebuild that’s yet to find its rhythm. One thing’s for sure: the phones are ringing, but not every call is leading to a deal.