Golden State Warriors Should Target Max Christie and Daniel Gafford in Jonathan Kuminga Trade

The Golden State Warriors are facing a pivotal decision before the Feb. 5 trade deadline: what to do with Jonathan Kuminga. The young forward has been a rotational player at best this season, and the Warriors must weigh his potential against their immediate championship window. While some fans dream of a blockbuster Anthony Davis-type trade, the smarter move may be targeting multiple role players—specifically Max Christie and Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks.

Why the Warriors Need to Move Kuminga

Kuminga, a former high lottery pick, has yet to secure a consistent rotation spot. While his athleticism and upside are undeniable, the Warriors’ current championship window demands readily impactful pieces, not potential. Trading Kuminga now could yield multiple contributors who can immediately improve Golden State’s depth, defense, and versatility, rather than waiting for Kuminga to develop.

With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson leading the roster—three future Hall of Famers—the Warriors’ margin for error is slim. The Dubs have the talent at the top end but need supporting players who can reliably fill minutes, defend multiple positions, and hit open shots.

Why Max Christie and Daniel Gafford Make Sense

Daniel Gafford – Starting Center

Draymond Green has long sought a reliable center to start alongside him, someone who can defend the rim, set screens, and complement Golden State’s small-ball lineup. Gafford fits that profile perfectly. He helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals, showcasing his defensive impact and athleticism. His presence would immediately strengthen the Warriors’ frontcourt and relieve some defensive and rebounding pressure from Green.

Max Christie – 3-and-D Wing

Christie, turning 23 in February, is emerging as the kind of 3-and-D wing every championship contender covets. He is shooting 46.6% from three-point range, a mark that would perfectly fit alongside Curry and Jimmy Butler, providing spacing and defensive versatility. Christie is young, athletic, and ascending—precisely the type of player who can step into a significant role without requiring long-term development.

Trade Mechanics

Moving Kuminga would likely cost the Warriors two first-round draft picks, potentially with negotiated protections to satisfy Dallas. The Mavericks, currently 11th in the Western Conference and 2.5 games out of the Play-In Tournament, could use the picks to accelerate their Cooper Flagg timeline, building around their young star.

A potential three-team trade could satisfy all parties:

• Warriors: Receive Gafford and Christie, immediately filling two roster gaps

• Mavericks: Gain draft capital and possibly a pick swap from the Kings

• Kings: Land Kuminga, a player who can develop and eventually contribute to their rotation

This kind of trade allows Golden State to maximize their current championship window, while Dallas focuses on building a team around its young star, and the Kings finally acquire a player they’ve shown interest in for months.

Strategic Implications

This trade isn’t flashy. There’s no high-profile superstar like Anthony Davis involved, and fans may be skeptical about losing Kuminga, a young lottery talent. However, the Warriors’ strategy is clear: leverage elite top-end talent to assemble a team that can win right now.

Replacing the minutes of Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton with a legitimate 3-and-D wing and adding a starting center solves two major problems at once. This move addresses Golden State’s needs without requiring the team to compromise its championship timeline.

Conclusion

The Warriors’ time to win is now. Curry, Thompson, and Green are still playing at an elite level, and adding the right role players could transform Golden State into a legitimate title threat. Trading Kuminga may be unpopular with fans, but it is the kind of pragmatic, win-now move that championship teams consistently make.

Max Christie and Daniel Gafford offer immediate contributions, defensive versatility, and youth, all of which fit perfectly with Golden State’s core. If the Warriors are serious about contending, this trade—or one like it—needs to happen before Feb. 5.

It’s a bold move, but the Warriors can’t afford to wait. Their window is now, and the Dubs must act decisively to give Curry and the Hall of Famers around him a legitimate shot at another championship.