All indications point to the Golden State Warriors trying to do right by Stephen Curry and give him a roster that can compete for a title in the final chapter of his career, but so far this season, that hasn’t been the case, and the franchise’s only real chance of doing that now is making a blockbuster trade before the February 5th trade deadline.
The Warriors have been linked to numerous players during this recent trade cycle, but with the days counting down from when they can trade Jonathan Kuminga to the deadline, one name has stood out recently.
Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets.
Warriors brass is debating whether they want to include Jonathan Kuminga in the deal.
MPJ would attempt to fill the shoes of Klay Thompson in the Warriors’ offense. Would be a great move.
While Porter’s massive contract might be the worst thing about him as a target for Golden State, he’s proved in the past to be a solid piece on a championship team, and this season has proven to be a top-tier scorer on his own. The size and shooting are there, and while his defense still has a few question marks, Porter appears to be both the biggest name and likely best fit the Warriors can target at the deadline, in a deal that they would hope would include Kuminga.
Warriors Add Michael Porter Jr. In Mock Trade
Writing for The Athletic, Sam Vecenie outlined a trade idea that sees Golden State finally cut ties with Kuminga after what has been one of the strangest few months between a player and a team in recent NBA memory. At the same time, they add their top trade target in Porter, while also giving up a few rotational players to match his contract.
Golden State Warriors receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets receive: DeMar DeRozan, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Devin Carter, Warriors’ 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick swap with the Warriors
Sacramento Kings receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Haywood Highsmith, and Ziaire Williams
Golden State would have to give up Hield and Moody, two of their solid rotational players, but this deal would send Kuminga to the Kings, who have had long-term interest in him, and likely allow him to spread his wings and show his true potential, the opposite of what’s been seen this year in the Bay Area.
They’d also have to give up a few picks, which would be a big risk, but at the same time, if trading all those assets for a player that can vault themselves into title contention, it’s hard to see the front office not pouncing on a deal like this before the deadline.
“This is their all-in move for one last ride with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr,” Vecenie wrote on this trade. “It’s hard to find a better fit for Golden State than Porter, too. We know that he can be an integral part of a title team, and his skill set is exactly what the team needs between Jimmy Butler and Green as a real shooter who can also occasionally create his own shot.”
Warriors Trade Rumors, Porter ‘Contingency Plan’
With just two days before Kuminga is officially able to be traded and just over three weeks before the trade deadline, Porter appears to be the Warriors’ top target, but as seen in nearly every single trade cycle, a team is never guaranteed its most-wanted player.
So, if he isn’t available, despite the multiple reports hinting that he’s set to be moved, Golden State will have to call an audible.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, the Warriors’ top three trade targets right now are Porter, as well as Herb Jones and Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans.
But still, per Siegel, if none of those players become available, or if they don’t have enough to send back what either Brooklyn or New Orleans wants, they have a contingency plan.
“Players like Naji Marshall, Ayo Dosunmu, Haywood Highsmith, Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams III, Bobby Portis, and Dean Wade are all on the trade market and would be more affordable options for the Warriors outside of their top-three targets,” Siegel wrote.
While each offers a vastly different skillset, all would add depth and length to a team that desperately needs it. Someone like Gafford, Williams, or Portis would sure up the frontcourt issues with Green and Al Horford, while Marshall, Dosunmu, Highsmith, or Wade would come in as Kuminga replacements with some 3-and-D and playmaking abilities.
Regardless of the return, the Warriors finally appear ready to cut ties with Kuminga. It’s been a long road, but whoever they can get back for him will hopefully provide a bit more to a team that desperately wants just one more shot at a title with Curry.
Warriors Cut Ties With Kuminga, Add $179M Top Target In Mega Trade Idea