Klay Thompson might finally find peace with the change in scenery and total uprooting from the Bay Area. However, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in hot water. Or close to it. They are yet to find a third star skilled enough to replace Thompson. However, given the lack of bait to lure a talented free agent and the unwillingness to let go of the one guy, many teams have their eye on, the Dubs are simply overwhelmed. And who is that one guy? None other than the Warriors’ very own breakout star – Jonathan Kuminga.

So what exactly can they do in such a circumstance?

That seems to be a foremost question in ESPN’s Zach Lowe’s mind too. Joining Malika Andrews, Bobby Marks, and Kendra Andrews on NBA Today, the popular podcaster wonders how they are going to work around Kuminga. “Jonathan Kuminga, who’s eligible for an extension, whose role has gone up and down with the Warriors. He is the best young player on the team, the Blue Chip of the two timelines. I just am fascinated to see what their answer to that question turns out to be.”

The young forward emerged as a solid support system for a team that had one of the worst seasons last year. Having averaged a career-high 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, Kuminga believes he’s worth a $200 million extension. Of course, the numbers alone do not do justice to the crucial role he’s played in the absence of Draymond Green, and the underwhelming performances of Andrew Wiggins and Thompson.

And it’s something the front office is well aware of. However, they aren’t exactly in a position to offer what the potential franchise superstar is asking. The simple reason for freeing up cap space has also been the biggest motivation for their reluctance to give in to JK’s asking price. Under such circumstances, how do the Warriors plan on landing one of the remaining top free agents?

Jonathan Kuminga could very well be used to land the Jazz star forward

Recently, Steve Kerr, in his appearance on 95.7 The Game, made a very interesting statement. “There’s very few players in the league who are not talked about in trade discussions … Steph Curry is not being discussed in trade talks. Everybody else is.” The message was clear. Nobody outside Stephen Curry was safe from a potential trade with the Warriors. And that included Jonathan Kuminga.

Yes, he could be the next leader of the franchise, leading all the up-and-coming youngsters of the Dubs to take the dynasty forward after the Curry era. But right now, when Steph is still playing, the front office seems rather invested in the idea of giving him everything needed to get a fifth ring. And if that meant putting Kuminga on the trade block, then that was what they would do.

Answering Lowe’s question was NBA Insider, Bobby Marks. He had a swift and rather creative response. “Well, here’s a date to keep an eye on – August 6th. Write it down. That is the first day that Lauri Markkanen can become renegotiation eligible. Utah right now is sitting on $34 million in cap space. They’ve signed nobody. Everybody else has gone out and done their business. They have not signed anything. It’s also synonymous that it’s six months from the trade deadline. So if Markkanen signs the extension on August 6th, he’s still eligible to be traded on February 6th, If he signs it after, he’s off the board here.”

It’s no secret that the Warriors are in strong pursuit of the Finnish forward. The Jazz, for their part, don’t exactly lose anything if they don’t trade Markkanen. However, if an offer similar to that of a Nets-Knicks deal comes knocking, they wouldn’t hesitate in handing the 7-footer over. Until then, the ‘Salt Lake City’ is taking a back seat. And by the looks of it, so are the Warriors.

However, there is no doubt that the Jazz would like to get Kuminga if the GSW offered him. Yes, Utah might have to go over the cap space if they are to agree to his $200 million demand. But they could be willing to accept that for a forward of his caliber. Golden State, for its part, could throw in a few draft picks to sweeten the pot. The team does hold first-round picks (one each) in 2025 and 2026 and a second-round unprotected pick via Atlanta, also in 2026.

Yet, there is a lot at stake here. As Zach Lowe pointed out, “Is it really a team that’s worth throwing a lot of your future out the door to get Lauri Markkanen?”

A pertinent question the Warriors will have to think through carefully. What do you make of the whole scenario? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!