There have been reports about the possibility of the Golden State Warriors using a player like Jonathan Kuminga in a trade that moves them up in the 2023 NBA Draft. During a recent podcast episode, NBA insider Jake Fischer said the Warriors could be looking to move up even further than the 10th pick in the draft.
This would be a major trade if the Warriors were to move up even higher than 10th, but according to Fischer, the player Golden State would be targeting in this move is not likely to be available at the 10th pick. If this is true, it begins adding some clarity as to why the Warriors would be open to moving one young and inexperienced player for an even younger and more inexperienced rookie.
It’s no secret that the Warriors have been attempting to thread the needle on their nearly impossible two-timeline plan. Golden State won a title in 2022 despite this approach, but last year’s roster really felt the impact of ownership refusing to go all-in on win-now pieces. With a player like Kuminga reportedly growing unhappy with his inconsistent role, a move may be necessary if there is no direct path to increased minutes next season.
If a Kuminga trade could bring back another high-level prospect who the Warriors consider more ready to contribute to winning basketball, while also being more willing to handle the odd dynamic of being a lottery pick on a contending team, then a move makes even more sense. Is that the type of player the Warriors are reportedly looking to move up for? It’s a complicated dynamic, but there have now been several reports about the possibility of the Warriors making a major draft trade.