Warriors 'reluctant' to trade surging young forward

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga is emerging as one of the Golden State Warriors’ key players. The third-year forward’s production has been surging over the past few weeks. Kuminga, 21, has been considered a potential trade chip for Golden State since his camp publicly criticized Steve Kerr.

Yet, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is a growing belief the Warriors would be reluctant to trade Kuminga.

“The Warriors are pleased with the growth of Jonathan Kuminga this season and are reluctant to trade him, I’m told,” Scotto said via “The HoopsHype Podcast.” “Theoretically, it would take a package involving an All-Star player or an overpay of draft picks for Golden State to even consider trading him.”

Kuminga is in his third year with the Warriors and thriving in a larger role this season. In the 41 games he has played as of this publishing, he is averaging 14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range. He is also a +0.1 in estimated defensive plus/minus.

Due to his encouraging performances and clear developmental growth, it makes sense the Warriors would want to keep Kuminga around. The members of team’s championship-winning core are entering the final phases of their careers. Having a potential star ready to step into a leading role down the line would be an ideal scenario.

However, one of the Warriors’ biggest issues is their desire to straddle two timelines. Kuminga isn’t the only young and encouraging talent on the roster. The problem is a lack of playing time and an unclear path toward a legitimate role within the rotation.

Front-office decision-makers Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have some tough decisions to make regarding the future direction of the team. They can either look to take one final bite out of their legendary core. Or, they can double down on getting younger with Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody leading the charge.

Regardless of what the front office decides, Kuminga now seems more and more likely to remain an important piece of their future.

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