It is no secret that the Warriors are going through one of their roughest periods. And with the trade deadline looming close, the Golden State has one final chance to make a move that can benefit them. Where there are “trade talks,” Pascal Siakam is an automatic entry. The Knicks’ shocking OG Anunoby move has gotten everyone even more hooked on the possible destination of Siakam.
It is not unsurprising that GSW is considered a prime location for the Raptors‘ forward. With Draymond Green‘s indefinite suspension, his potential return, and Chris Paul‘s hand injury, the Warriors have got themselves into a proper cul-de-sac. So, is there really a chance for a potential Raptors-Warriors trade? And what will the cost of this be for both teams?
Can the Warriors afford to lose Jonathan Kuminga at the cost of Pascal Siakam?
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Not too long ago, Jonathan Kuminga‘s frustration with Coach Kerr had been leaked via sources and straight from The Athletic‘s Shams Charania’s account. Kuminga’s contribution to the Warriors’ troubles cannot be cast aside. And the defeat during the Nuggets’ loss proved to be the last straw for the 21-year-old forward.
After sitting the final 18 minutes of Nuggets loss, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has lost faith in Steve Kerr and no longer believes that Kerr will allow him to reach his full potential, sources say.
Story at @TheAthletic with @anthonyVslater: https://t.co/TIAGABnyS8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 5, 2024
Though it seems like the Coach and the player sorted things out, the elephant in the room still looms large. Despite averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game this season, Kuminga has only logged 22.5 minutes per game this season. The most recent disappointing moment was the 19 minutes of game time (and he posted 16 points, four assists, and rebounds!) in the Nuggets loss.
Regardless, the Warriors see the young forward as one of the franchise’s next leaders. A 2021 draft pick, Kuminga became the second youngest player to be an NBA champion. Meshing quite well with the franchise leader, Stephen Curry, on-court, multiple sources say that the management believes him to continue his stunning performance in a post-Curry era, whenever that happens.
The Warriors are unwilling to include Jonathan Kuminga in a potential trade for Pascal Siakam, per @michaelgrange (https://t.co/mm7FY9X7SS).
Without Kuminga, it appears unlikely the Warriors and Raptors will end up making a deal. pic.twitter.com/19QsL9XqV4
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 7, 2024
Another tiny detail is that the 21-year-old Congolese native is believed to be pretty tight with the GSW owner, Joe Lacob. And Mr. Lacob has a reputation for not sharing promising young talents, who fit right into their championship nucleus.
As far as the Warriors’ stand on Kuminga goes, it looks like we have an answer. But with Jonathan Kuminga off the table, will the Raptors consider an offer?
Can the Siakam trade happen without Kuminga?
Prior to the Warriors’ somewhat of an active interest, the Sacramento Kings were running point in acquiring Pascal Siakam. But that came to an end on Friday night, as they reportedly withdrew from hurried trade talks. The Toronto-Knicks move gave them centerpieces the franchise could play alongside their star player, Scottie Barnes.
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Read More: NBA Trade Talks: Warriors’ Chance to Land Pascal Siakam Goes Higher as Major Suitor Pulls Out
RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have proved to be a seamless fit alongside Barnes. Without Kuminga on the table, GM Dunleavy would have a hard time convincing the Raptors. Unless they can offer someone else, like, say, Moses Moody. The young forward-guard is one of the top stars off the bench this season that has been getting a lot of attention.
Add to it the fact that he has experience playing with Barnes at Montverde Academy; Toronto might just consider the situation. Not to mention that Moody hasn’t been getting enough time on the floor despite the high level of performances he has delivered whenever he has been called upon. So, with a month to go before the deadline, we will be looking at some exciting moves this season.
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Hopefully, if the Warriors do make any trade moves, it’s enough to help them get out of their blatant struggles.
Watch This Story: Has Stephen Curry Won His Last Championship With Warriors Amid Serious Concerns Over Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s Future?