While the off-season clock is ticking, the Golden State Warriors have tangled themselves in a tricky spot. To put it in simple words, the Dubs are in dire need of roping in a trusted second fiddle for Stephen Curry, and the team has shown interest in Utah Jazz‘s Lauri Markkanen. Even though it seemed like a straightforward issue, the complication lies in the Dubs’ youth movement, especially with Jonathan Kuminga.

Since Jazz’s Danny Ainge has made it clear to trade Markkanen only in return for a young star, the Dubs picked Kuminga as the frontline option along with draft picks. However, before deciding on that, the team has to sort out an internal issue. An earlier report from Evan Giddings revealed that the 21-year-old, who is eligible for an extension, saw himself as a $200 million prospect. And on top of that,  The Athletic’s Sam Amick stressed that Kuminga is part of the Dubs’ future.

Speaking in the latest episode of 95.7 The Game, Amick said, “Given the way the pieces on the chessboard have shifted this summer. To me, it would be in the territory of ‘yes, they should get something done’. I don’t know exactly how they see it but Klay’s departure, the developments, things like that, I mean, all that does is make Kuminga more of a priority.” 

Moreover, Amick further dropped a reality check, again stressing the importance of Kuminga in the roster. He added, “You know that list of Warriors’ assets and things to be excited about is not as it was before and Kuminga is part of that, so if you’re gonna get it done and have another player who’s wondering you know how you see him in the scope of your future, then that’s probably not the direction you want to go.” However, even if the Warriors agree to Sam Amick’s view and extend the rising star’s contract, they still have a Stephen Curry roadblock.

The Stephen Curry roadblock

Even though Sam Amick pointed out the importance of extending Kuminga’s contract, it may not be possible because of Steph’s impending extension. The superstar has two more years left in his 5-year contract and is also eligible for a one-year extension on August 6. There are a lot of possibilities for Stephen Curry to threaten the management to leave the franchise if they don’t find a better roster around him.

Notably, Curry hinted at an uncertain Warriors’ future in an interview, when he said, “I want to be a Warrior for life… but like you said, life, and especially life in the NBA, it is a wild environment, and things change quickly.” So the Warriors may have to figure out a way to trade Kuminga out to get Lauri Markkanen.

Moreover, this trade may become a reality in a few days. Maybe even before the end of Summer League. Ray Almeda, global PR lead of EA Sports stated that the San Antonio Spurs, Jazz, and Warriors might get into a three-team deal. On top of it, Andrew Wiggins may also have to say a final goodbye to the Dubs in the process. Do you think they’ll do that? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.