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NBA Draft rumors: Warriors trade up with Kuminga, Hornets get Ingram, Pistons-Mavs trade

By Jonathan Lurensky

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Apr 9, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Kevin Knox II (11, left) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Kevin Knox II (11, left) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Draft rumors: Warriors could Jonathan Kuminga to move up

In the final piece of news from Jonathan Givony’s article, he cites that the Warriors are looking to trade Jonathan Kuminga for a high lotto pick this year.

Kuminga had a very nice rookie season and then fell out of the rotation in year two. This caused him to dip in production and let Warriors fans loosen their expectations of the player. You could make the argument that Steve Kerr didn’t play him enough or that he had a sophomore slump, still at the end of the day he didn’t showcase the potential that he had in year one.

The Warriors who are deep in the luxury tax and may have to pay out big extensions to Draymond Green and Klay Thompson this summer or next may decide to reset the rookie contract clock by trading Kuminga to a team with a high lotto pick. This would follow what the Warriors have done in recent years when it comes to the luxury tax. They have often paid the penalties on the more notable players while letting less notable players leave.

Givony mentions that the Warriors will be looking for more complete players rather than projects due to the fact that they want to win now. They could do this and also have a good long-term outlook by moving Kuminga for a lottery pick.

Next. The best NBA Draft pick of all time at every slot. dark

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