Golden State Warriors Eye Major Trade as Jonathan Kuminga Looms Out of the Bay
The Golden State Warriors are widely expected to pull off a blockbuster trade this season, with Jonathan Kuminga reportedly being the centerpiece headed out of San Francisco.
The writing has long been on the wall for Kuminga’s stint with the Warriors, and recent developments—most notably him being a healthy scratch for several games—strongly hint at an imminent move.

The Most Discussed Trade Scenarios
The most commonly floated scenario involves Golden State acquiring a sharpshooting, volume-scoring wing in exchange for Kuminga and a few other contracts to balance salaries.
Players like Michael Porter Jr. and Trey Murphy have surfaced as prime targets, with Porter Jr. in particular being heavily linked to the Warriors in recent rumors, thanks to his ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor.

Center as an Alternative Focus
However, the Warriors’ longstanding need for a true center could redirect their trade strategy.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel suggested that Golden State might consider flipping Kuminga to address their frontcourt deficiency instead of acquiring another wing scorer.
Such a move would likely cost the Dubs fewer assets, aligning with their historically cautious trade approach, which favors calculated, low-risk moves over blockbuster exchanges.

Defining the Type of Center They Want
If Golden State goes the center route, the options are plentiful, but the type of center they acquire will define the roster’s identity.
They could pursue a high-flying, rim-protecting lob threat to add athleticism and defense, or a floor-spacing, versatile big man who fits seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s perimeter-heavy offense.
The decision ultimately shapes both their playoff rotation and the strategic balance of the team heading into crucial games.

5. Domantas Sabonis – The Playmaking Big Man Dream
Domantas Sabonis appears very much available on the trade market, with the Sacramento Kings reportedly willing to listen to offers for their star big man.
Toronto has emerged as the front-runner for Sabonis, a move that could make sense given the Raptors’ defensive depth and supporting cast capable of covering any deficiencies on that end.
For the Warriors, Sabonis would bring elite glass-cleaning ability and operate as a playmaking hub for the offense, excelling at handoffs and orchestrating ball movement around the perimeter.
Unfortunately, Sabonis commands a massive salary of $45.4 million this season and $48.6 million next season, which could strain Golden State’s cap space and force them to gut their depth just to make salaries match.
From a basketball standpoint, he makes sense, but financially, Sabonis is likely more of a pipe dream than a realistic acquisition.

4. Daniel Gafford – High Risk, High Reward
Daniel Gafford presents a more attainable but riskier option for Golden State.
His past injury issues have hindered his production, leaving him a shadow of his former self and limiting his impact with the Dallas Mavericks this season.
However, Gafford has proven himself as a lob threat in a Luka Doncic-led offense, showcasing mobility and shot-blocking prowess that could be valuable in a Warriors system built around screens and Curry-led pick-and-rolls.
On Golden State, Gafford could thrive in 4-on-3 dunker spots and provide a unique interior presence compared to the more traditional, floor-bound centers like Quinten Post and Al Horford.
He wouldn’t demand much in return and could potentially be acquired without giving up Kuminga, though his inconsistent performance makes him a gamble.

3. Myles Turner – The Rim-Protection Stretch Center

Myles Turner is a proven starter in the NBA, with an established reputation as a three-point shooting rim-protector, making him a tantalizing fit for Golden State’s spacing-focused offense.
At 10 years younger than Horford, Turner offers more playoff longevity, and his skill set could mirror what Horford provides while adding youth to the frontcourt.
Turner’s contract extends through the 2028-29 season, though his annual salary is reasonable considering his contributions.
Still, questions linger: Turner isn’t dominant on the boards and his defensive foot speed is declining, potentially limiting his impact against elite centers in the postseason.
Furthermore, Milwaukee may be reluctant to trade him, having made him a priority while creating space by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard last offseason.

2. Nic Claxton – The Practical Option
Trading for Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets presents a practical, low-risk solution for the Warriors’ center needs.
Claxton has revived his value this season under coach Jordi Fernandez, improving not just as a shot-blocker but as a versatile offensive weapon.
He’s averaging a career-high 4.1 assists per game, expanding his role beyond simply finishing alley-oops and contributing as a playmaking big man.
Kuminga’s contract aligns well with Claxton, meaning the Warriors wouldn’t have to part with as many assets compared to pursuing Porter or other high-profile centers.
From a feasibility standpoint, Claxton arguably represents the most sensible center acquisition for Golden State, though it lacks the splash of a marquee trade.

1. Ivica Zubac – The Top Target
Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers represents the ideal center fit for the Warriors, despite being the least likely to move.
The Clippers have consistently refused to trade their core trio of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Zubac, and with Los Angeles climbing the Western Conference standings, Zubac’s availability seems increasingly remote.
Nevertheless, Zubac would bring a dominant interior scoring presence and elite rebounding ability, complementing Golden State’s perimeter-heavy offense.
He commands roughly $39 million over the next two seasons, making him one of the best value propositions for a high-impact center in the NBA.
Acquiring Zubac would require a slight adjustment in style of play, as Kerr’s Warriors rely heavily on perimeter shooting, but the floor spacing created by a defensive threat in the paint would likely open countless clean looks for Curry, Poole, and co.

The Road Ahead for the Warriors
Ultimately, Golden State’s front office must weigh immediate needs, cap space, and long-term strategy as the 2026 trade deadline approaches.
Whether they pursue a proven center, a versatile floor-spacing big, or take a calculated gamble on a high-upside player like Gafford, the move could define their playoff trajectory and balance the roster around Stephen Curry.
The stakes are high, and the Warriors’ decision in the coming weeks will likely shape the next chapter of the franchise as they aim for another championship run while managing the evolving role of their superstar talent.