Trading Jordan Poole or Jonathan Kuminga
At least on the surface, it may seem like a fair idea to trade Jordan Poole and/or Jonathan Kuminga heading into the offseason. But I’d argue that it would end up being a really big mistake on the part of the Golden State Warriors in the long run.
Both of these young players could find their way to the trade block for two very different reasons. For Kuminga, it’s more about playing time. He wants a bigger role and there may not be one on the Warriors. Especially if the team ends up re-signing Draymond Green this offseason. I’m not sure how the Warriors are going to handle this, but they need to open up some minutes for Kuminga, who has shown some promise during the time he’s seen action.
That’s not an unfair ask from Kuminga. And the Warriors probably figure something out. To give up on a 20-year-old that has shown ability when given an opportunity would be a massive failure. Even more so considering the team traded James Wiseman at this past year’s NBA Trade Deadline.
For Poole, if he were to be traded it would be to alleviate some of the tax burden. If the Warriors are going to extend both Klay Thompson and Draymond either this offseason or next, they’re going to have to cut loose some salary. And Poole, who just signed a four-year deal worth up to $140 million, would be a prime candidate.
But even after a rough showing in the postseason, it would also be premature to trade Poole. Not to mention that his trade value is probably at an all-time low right now.
For a team that has prided itself on being “light years ahead,” trading Poole and/or Kuminga this offseason would be extremely “light years behind.”