by Report: Warriors now more willing to discuss trading young core originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors had great confidence in the talent on their roster heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
However, after losing nine of their last 11 games, that may have changed.
Since losing to the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals last week, Golden State has “expanded” its activity in the trade market, Clutch Points NBA insider Brett Siegel reported in his latest column, citing sources.
Additionally, the Warriors, at 14-12 and the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, are now more willing than ever to discuss their young core of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski in potential trade talks, Siegel added, a source.
That wasn’t always the case for Golden State, which had the utmost confidence in its young trio and was committed to their growth.
But Golden State’s openness to including its young players in potential deals could now open up several options as it is interested in bringing in a big-name star to partner with franchise superstar Steph Curry, according to multiple reports from the offseason.
One special player is Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, for whom Siegel calls the Warriors the absolute “favorite” to trade.
However, Butler’s contract and the fact that Golden State has a hard cap in the early going makes things a little tricky and will likely force the Warriors to trade a handful of players to make the money work.
The Phoenix Suns and Butler also reportedly share a common interest.
Kuminga, Moody, Podziemski and Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis were often viewed as the future of the franchise. But Kuminga’s inconsistency, Moody’s fluctuating role and Podziemski’s frustrating struggles could further complicate matters.
“It would have to be something that we felt would clearly change the trajectory of our franchise,” Dunleavy said back in June about the requirements to be open to trading some of their young core.
Six months later, he shared how he’s thinking as the deadline slowly approaches.
“We’re always aggressive,” Dunleavy said Monday in a Zoom with reporters. “You have to be clear about what you’re giving up, what you’re getting back, all those things. But we will do everything we can to make the team better.”
Golden State is continuing its move on from fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, but many league personnel outside the Warriors organization believe Kuminga’s time is limited, Siegel reported, citing sources. The 22-year-old did not agree to a contract extension with the team before the start of this season and many see this campaign as his opportunity to prove his contract value.
In 24 games this season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting, with 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 25.3 minutes. He’s been a strong presence for the Warriors at times, but is it enough?
Meanwhile, Podziemski’s sophomore slump continues to be a concern. The 21-year-old is averaging 8.2 points on 39.6 percent shooting from the field and 25.8 percent from 3-point range, along with 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 24.5 minutes.
Moody is dealing with a knee injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. Before the injury, he was averaging 7.4 points on 42 percent shooting from the field and 36.6 percent from distance, with 1.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists. The Arkansas native signed a three-year contract extension with fellow Warriors in October.
It’s no secret that the Warriors are focused on maximizing Curry’s championship window. What worked at the beginning of the season is simply no longer enough.
The addition of Dennis Schroder should be helpful despite his Warriors debut resulting in a disastrous loss at Memphis, but Golden State may need to shake things up before the league’s Feb. 6 trade deadline – and it appears that they feel more comfortable parting with their past -Promising assets for a big return.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
This embedded content is not available in your region.
