After being eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Golden State Warriors underwent their first major change of the NBA offseason. Now, another could be looming for the storied franchise.
Following the resignation of general manager Bob Myers, the architect of the Warriors’ dynasty, top executive Mike Dunleavy Jr. took over. As he settles into his new role, the former NBA player faces a quick adjustment process with several key decisions looming.
Golden State may lose All-Star forward Draymond Green this summer, with the veteran poised to enter NBA free agency. Before he tests the open market, the Warriors must determine what to do with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and some of the youngest players on their roster.
During a recent appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, senior reporter Marc J. Spears noted that Golden State is already receiving trade inquiries on Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole this offseason.
As Dunleavy Jr. evaluates different directions he can take the franchise, he’s now reportedly fielding trade inquiries on two of Golden State’s best young players.
“Golden State is also getting calls on Kuminga, they’re getting calls on Jordan Poole. They have the 19th pick in next week’s draft. So Mike Dunleavy Jr. isn’t getting no training wheels going into this job.”
Poole is entering the first year of a four-year, $128 million contract he signed in 2022. The 23-year-old guard is owed a $27.455 million salary next season, with his deal and youth making him an attractive trade chip if Golden State wanted to pursue an All-Star player.
Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is under contract through the 2024-’25 season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2025. Entering his age-21 season, the young forward is an attractive target for rebuilding teams.
While preliminary NBA trade rumors haven’t disclosed what players the Warriors are pursuing, a trade package with Poole and Kuminga could put Golden State in the mix for Bradley Beal. However, acquiring any All-Star player is now more complicated because of the new financial rules added to the NBA’s collective-bargaining agreement.