Honestly, the vibe around Chase Center feels a bit like a breakup where everyone is just waiting for the moving truck to arrive. If you've been following the GSW news and rumors over the last week, you know the situation with Jonathan Kuminga has reached a point of no return. It isn't just "exploratory talk" anymore. We are looking at a full-blown trade demand that has basically frozen the Warriors' front office in a high-stakes game of poker with the rest of the NBA.
Steve Kerr hasn't played Kuminga since mid-December. That’s a long time for a guy who was supposed to be the bridge to the post-Steph era. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is in a tough spot. He wants to keep the championship window cracked open for Stephen Curry, but the asset he has to move—Kuminga—is currently at his lowest possible trade value.
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The Kuminga Standoff: Where Does He Land?
Everyone has a theory. The Lakers are the new "dark horse" according to recent reports from NBA insiders like Jake Fischer. Apparently, Rob Pelinka called about Kuminga back in the summer, and those talks never really died; they just went into hibernation. The Lakers desperately need a 3-and-D wing with actual size to take some pressure off LeBron, and Kuminga fits that mold, even if his shooting is still a bit of a question mark.
But then you have the Dallas Mavericks. This is where it gets interesting. There’s been heavy chatter about a deal involving Daniel Gafford. The Warriors are getting killed on the glass. They rank 21st in rebounds per game and are dead last in points scored in the paint. It’s embarrassing. Adding a guy like Gafford would let Draymond Green move back to power forward, which is where he actually wants to be.
Current Trade Targets to Watch:
- Daniel Gafford (Mavericks): The "athletic big" the Warriors are obsessed with right now.
- Nic Claxton (Nets): A defensive monster who could fix the rim protection issues.
- Robert Williams III (Trail Blazers): High risk, high reward given his injury history.
- Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets/Nets): A scoring punch that would take the load off Steph.
The Brooklyn Nets are also lurking. There’s a rumor that something is "brewing" regarding Michael Porter Jr. in a three-team swap. It’s complicated. These deals always are when you’re trying to match salaries under the new, restrictive collective bargaining agreement (CBA) rules.
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The Anthony Davis "Dream" is Dead
For a minute there, Warriors fans were dreaming of Anthony Davis. It made sense on paper. Pair the best shooter ever with the most versatile defensive big man. But life comes at you fast. Davis is sidelined for at least six weeks with an injury, and ESPN’s Anthony Slater basically shut that down yesterday. The Warriors aren't going to trade Draymond Green for a guy who might not even be healthy by the time the playoffs start.
It’s a bummer, but it’s reality. The front office is "big game hunting," but the forest is looking a little empty right now. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the ultimate prize, but that ship seems to have sailed for now. So, the focus has shifted to "marginal wins"—finding the right role players to make sure Steph doesn't have to carry the entire offense every single night.
Steph Curry’s Retirement Timeline
Let’s talk about the GOAT. Steph signed that extension that keeps him in the Bay through the 2026-27 season. He’s 37. He’s still averaging elite numbers, but he’s being very candid about his future. He recently told reporters he’s taking it "two years at a time."
Basically, he wants to see how his body holds up. He isn't interested in a "farewell tour" right now; he just wants to win. The Warriors have structured every single contract—Jimmy Butler, Draymond, even the smaller deals—to align with this two-year window. It’s a "Last Dance" vibe, but with more expensive tech and better wine.
Interestingly, Steph has a unique clause in his Under Armour deal that will pay him around $75 million in stock long after he retires. He’s set for life. He’s looking at NBA ownership and maybe even the PGA Tour Champions when he hits 50. But for the next 18 months? He just wants one more ring.
The Front Office Strategy: Expiring Only?
The most telling bit of GSW news and rumors is the front office’s stance on contracts. They are reportedly prioritizing expiring deals. They don't want to be locked into long-term, mid-level salaries that trigger the "second apron" penalties. This is why the Kuminga trade is so tricky. Kuminga is on a two-year deal worth $46.8 million, but it has a team option for next year. Teams want him because he’s a "controllable asset," but the Warriors want someone who can help now without ruining their flexibility for 2027.
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Why the Warriors are desperate for size:
- Rebounding: They are routinely out-muscled by teams like the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
- Rim Protection: Draymond is a genius, but he’s not seven feet tall. They need a vertical threat.
- Paint Scoring: When the threes aren't falling, the Warriors have no "easy" buckets. They need a lob threat.
It’s kinda wild to think that Andrew Wiggins might actually be a trade target again. There are rumors the Miami Heat are looking to move him, and a reunion in San Francisco isn't out of the question. He knows the system. He was the second-best player on a championship team. Sometimes, you just need to go back to what worked.
What Happens Next?
The February 5th trade deadline is the finish line. If Kuminga is still on the roster on February 6th, it will be a massive surprise to everyone in the league. The relationship has deteriorated too much.
Watch the Mavericks and Lakers. They have the most to gain from a Kuminga gamble. Also, keep an eye on the Nets. They are the ultimate "facilitator" team right now, willing to take on picks to make big three-way trades happen.
If you’re a Warriors fan, the move is to stay patient. The front office isn't going to make a trade just to make one. They’re waiting for the "no-brainer" value. But with Steph's clock ticking, the pressure to do something is becoming unbearable.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Monitor the injury reports for Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton; their health directly impacts their trade value.
- Check the "DNP-CD" lists for Kuminga; if he starts getting minutes again, it might mean a trade is off—or he's being "showcased" for a buyer.
- Watch the standings. If the Warriors drop more than three games below .500, expect a "panic" move to save the season.
The era of "Light Years" is being tested like never before. Whether they can pull off one more miracle trade to save Steph's prime is the only question that matters.