Recent developments suggest the Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in Jonathan Kuminga, a forward for the Golden State Warriors. Reports from Sam Amick of The Athletic indicate that the Mavericks reached out to the Warriors regarding a potential trade involving Anthony Davis and a package that includes Kuminga. However, the Warriors would need to involve either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler in the deal, which they have shown reluctance to do. As a result, a trade for Davis appears unlikely at this time.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Trade Eligibility
Despite the challenges surrounding a deal for Davis, the Mavericks’ interest opens new avenues for discussions, particularly since Kuminga will become trade-eligible on January 15. The Warriors are exploring potential trades to elevate their roster, especially in securing a wing upgrade for Kuminga.
Possible Trade Targets
- Daniel Gafford: The 6’10” center has earned a reputation as one of the prime big men on the market. Gafford excels in rebounding and shot-blocking, boasting a shooting percentage exceeding 70% throughout his career.
- Fit with Draymond Green: While Gafford lacks a perimeter shot, his integration with Green poses questions about floor spacing. Nevertheless, he could enhance the Warriors’ overall effectiveness.
A potential trade involving Gafford would require additional maneuvers due to Kuminga’s higher salary. The Warriors might need to engage a third team to finalize such a transaction without losing substantial draft capital.
Mavericks as Trade Facilitators
The Mavericks could play a crucial role in facilitating a larger trade for Kuminga. According to sources, Sean Deveney from Heavy Sports revealed that the Nets are not particularly interested in Kuminga. A deal could involve acquiring Michael Porter Jr. in a complex trade requiring third-party involvement.
Proposed Trade Scenario
A hypothetical trade could materialize as follows:
| Team | Incoming Assets | Outgoing Assets |
|---|---|---|
| Warriors | Michael Porter Jr., Dwight Powell | Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Wilson |
| Mavericks | Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Wilson | N/A |
| Nets | Daniel Gafford, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Max Christie, 2026 and 2028 first-round picks | N/A |
Porter is enjoying a standout season, averaging 25.8 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. If the Pelicans do not consider trading Trey Murphy III, Porter may be the top target for teams seeking a significant scoring wing this season.
Interest in Kuminga
Interest in Jonathan Kuminga appears to be growing. Teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls have also shown preliminary interest. With Dallas as a potential trade partner, the Warriors may be well-positioned to orchestrate a deal that enhances their roster significantly this season.
