Who expected the Golden State Warriors to dominate as they are currently doing after losing Klay Thompson? His move to the Mavericks should’ve meant that the Dubs would start rebuilding while reminiscing about their glory years. Are they done? That’s a question many would’ve expected to come up. But Stephen Curry looks like a man on a mission to lift the title one more time, and right now, the Warriors look like they don’t need anyone, but Steve Kerr might have a master plan.
However, without the right support system, a team could falter when they reach the last stages. Teams with two stars will probably have a higher chance of winning the title than teams winning with a single star. Not that they can’t, but you would love to cover yourself with diamonds if you get a chance, right? Well, there is one in Miami who waits on the sidelines.
The Jimmy Butler-Golden State Warriors trade rumors have caught fire in recent days. With Butler heading to GSW, the team will have a dream guard combo, according to some. But one or two players from GSW could get sacrificed, with one being Jonathan Kuminga. The player came from the bench and provided the spark the team needed in certain phases of play.
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He scored 21 points against the high-flying Cavaliers with Kuminga the only bright spot on the team. Averaging 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, Kuminga’s numbers look fine for a young guy who is 22. Steve Kerr was in full praise for the youngster, according to the Athletic, stating, “I think JK has shown how important he is off the bench. Twenty points tonight, some huge plays. He seems to really fit into that role well.”
Yet, there’s a catch. This trade could happen because Kuminga didn’t sign a contract extension.
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The Jimmy Butler-Jonathan Kuminga trade could come in handy for Steve Kerr
With the Miami Heat in 6th place with a 4-5 record, Butler’s ambitions to win a chip could certainly happen with the Warriors.
What’s your perspective on:
Is it worth sacrificing young talent like Kuminga for a shot at another championship with Butler?
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Even though Steve Kerr confirmed Kuminga is a solid role player, not agreeing to terms on a contract extension could cause his Golden State future to go down the drain. Presently, he has a 4-year (s), $24,855,347 contract, but the two parties are $5 million apart. Kuminga wants a salary close to $35 million range with the Warriors limiting themselves to $30 million.
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With the Miami Heat probably getting to a rebuilding role after Butler leaves, Kuminga’s trade could help them to have a cornerstone frontcourt player for a long time. In the meantime, Butler has no intentions to extend his contract as well with the player opting not to sign for any teams. He earns $48,798,677 with a player option to receive $52,413,394 in 2025-26. It could be the tipping point for the deal to happen.
With Kuminga, another player who limits the GSW cap space, and a couple of draft picks, Jimmy might be on his way to the Golden Gate Bridge. If he joins the Warriors, you will have a team of Jimmy and Steph shooting the basketball incredibly well. It’s certainly a dream combo.
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Debate
Is it worth sacrificing young talent like Kuminga for a shot at another championship with Butler?