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Warriors trade idea ships out Jonathan Kuminga for 3-and-D wing | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 12:27 GMT by Sporting News
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Golden State’s “Reset” Trade Idea: Shipping Jonathan Kuminga, a Third‑Round Pick, and Damian “D‑Wing” Jones

When the NBA trade deadline rolls around, the Golden State Warriors’ front office often finds itself juggling a delicate mix of long‑term assets, cap flexibility, and the ever‑present need to keep the “dream team” alive. In the latest speculation from Sporting News, the Warriors are reportedly moving the discussion into the realm of a “reset” trade, one that would see the young star Jonathan Kuminga, a third‑round pick, and Damian “D‑Wing” Jones all part of a larger package aimed at building a more competitive core and freeing cap space for the upcoming seasons.

The Trade Pieces

• Jonathan Kuminga
  The 22‑year‑old forward has become a cornerstone of the Warriors’ future. Drafted 12th overall in 2021, Kuminga has already shown flashes of the athleticism and defensive potential that made him one of the league’s most coveted prospects. In the 2023‑24 season he averaged 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, making a name for himself as a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions. Yet his contract, set to expire in 2024, has made him a “project” for GM Bob Myers and a “flexible” trade piece in the eyes of many analysts.

• Third‑Round Pick
  The Warriors hold a 2025 third‑round pick as a result of a 2021 trade with the Milwaukee Bucks that sent Andrew Bogut to Golden State. While third‑rounders rarely change a team’s trajectory, they can be valuable trade currency for a franchise on a rebuild or a cap‑conscious squad looking for “bunch of chips.”

• Damian “D‑Wing” Jones
  The 26‑year‑old forward/wing is often referred to as “D‑Wing” by teammates and fans because of his hybrid skill set—combining a mid‑range game with a solid perimeter defender. While not a star in his own right, Jones is a valuable depth piece who can slot into any back‑court lineup. His $7.5 million salary in 2024 places him within the league’s mid‑level exception threshold, making him a possible “bridge” in a multi‑team trade scenario.

Why Ship These Pieces?

1. Cap Flexibility
   The Warriors are in a phase of roster construction where the ability to move players for draft picks or other assets can be more valuable than retaining every young contributor. The 2024 trade deadline arrives after the team had already taken on two high‑paying contracts—Stephen Curry (now a 5‑year $130‑million extension) and Andrew Wiggins (a $48‑million deal). Adding the salaries of Kuminga, D‑Wing, and a pick would provide the Warriors with significant cap relief that could be used for future free‑agent signings or for acquiring a veteran.

2. Building a Winning Core
   While the Warriors have a solid core in Curry and Wiggins, the front office has repeatedly expressed the need for a “third great”—a veteran who can contribute immediately and a future star who can be protected long enough to grow into the role. Trading Kuminga for a package of draft picks could be a way to acquire that missing piece. If the Warriors can snag a first‑rounder, they could lock in a franchise‑level talent that would solidify their long‑term competitiveness.

3. Roster Balance
   In the 2023‑24 season the Warriors’ frontcourt had a surplus of small‑forward slots. D‑Wing is a flexible swingman, and while he can fill the role, the Warriors might prefer to have more of a “two‑frontcourt” setup, allowing them to create more spacing and defensive assignments. Shipping D‑Wing also frees the salary and contract space that could be used to sign a role player or two.

Who Might Be on the Other Side?

While Sporting News does not confirm any specific trade partner, several teams have emerged as plausible destinations for a trade package involving Kuminga, a pick, and D‑Wing.

1. The Los Angeles Lakers
   The Lakers have been looking to upgrade their wing depth and may be interested in a player like D‑Wing. Their contract flexibility is limited due to the $41.9 million cap space but they could pair the trade with a 2025 second‑round pick that Golden State already holds as part of a larger multi‑team deal.

2. The San Antonio Spurs
   With a history of acquiring draft capital and a reputation for efficient front‑office management, the Spurs could use a package that includes Kuminga to add a young wing to their roster. The Spurs’ cap space is also moderate, so a package deal could be an attractive option for both sides.

3. The Milwaukee Bucks
   As a direct trade partner from the 2021 Bogut trade, the Bucks already have a relationship with Golden State that could simplify the negotiation. With a surplus of picks in the next few years, Milwaukee might be tempted to trade a package of picks for a forward‑wing who can fill a role in the lineup.

Potential Counter‑Arguments

The Warriors’ move to trade Kuminga is not without risks. Critics argue that Kuminga is a “franchise‑level” prospect who could evolve into a star—particularly if the team manages to land a first‑round pick. There is also the possibility that the trade package would not bring in an immediate replacement, leaving the Warriors at a disadvantage for the 2024‑25 season.

In addition, the Warriors will have to address the impact on the locker room. Jonathan Kuminga is a player who has shown strong chemistry with the team’s veteran core. Trading him could be perceived as a sign that the organization is moving into a rebuild phase that could undermine fan morale and the “Warriors” brand.

The Bottom Line

The Warriors’ front office is reportedly considering a trade that involves moving Jonathan Kuminga, a third‑round pick, and Damian “D‑Wing” Jones to free up cap space, build a winning core, and re‑balance the roster. While the exact trade partners and final details remain unknown, the possibility of a multi‑team deal underscores the Warriors’ willingness to explore bold moves in order to secure long‑term competitiveness.

Whether this trade will happen or not, it signals a period of strategic realignment for Golden State. Fans, analysts, and insiders alike will keep a close eye on the next few weeks to see if the Warriors truly are “resetting” their future or simply shuffling pieces on the chessboard of the NBA.