Jonathan Kuminga has been floated around in trade rumors for almost a year. Last season, he was mentioned constantly, and over the summer, the Golden State Warriors and the forward had lengthy conversations about a contract extension, largely because the team wanted the flexibility to move him. Just two months into the season, it seems like his name is surfacing again.
Surprising Kuminga Trade Push That Could Transform the East
According to the latest report by Brett Siegel, the usual suspects for Kuminga remain. The Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, two teams that explored a sign-and-trade this summer, are still interested. But now a surprising Eastern Conference team has emerged: the Indiana Pacers. Siegel wrote:
“Staying in the Eastern Conference, one team that has quietly been scouting Kuminga dating back to the start of the 2024–25 season and has continued into this year is the Indiana Pacers. Could there be a deal to be had between Indiana and Golden State, one that possibly involved Bennedict Mathurin?”
The Pacers made the Finals last season. However, this year, due to injuries, they have been stuck near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. For them, this season is essentially a gap year — one focused on gathering assets and managing their financial situation. They are not enthusiastic about extending Mathurin, and sending him to Golden State could be a natural path forward. The Pacers would have Kuminga under contract for next season, giving them enough time to determine whether he fits with their long-term vision. Indiana has a younger roster built on depth. They rejuvenated Obi Toppin’s career, and Kuminga could be next.
What Can the Pacers Offer?
Looking at the Pacers’ payroll, it will be difficult to acquire Kuminga without giving up one of their core players. The only plausible path to avoiding that would be a sign-and-trade involving Mathurin — but that would need to occur in the summer, not before the deadline. If the goal is to strike a deal prior to the deadline, Mathurin and Toppin would likely be the combination needed to match Kuminga’s salary.
As for draft compensation, the Pacers have plenty of second-round picks over the next few years, both their own and others acquired from various teams. It is hard to envision them including a first-round pick in this deal.
Can the Warriors Use Mathurin?
Mathurin is the same age as Kuminga but entered the league one season later. He was the sixth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, while Kuminga was selected seventh in 2021.
Comparing the two, Mathurin has developed into the better player so far. This season, he is averaging 23 points per game. He is also a better three-point shooter and a more explosive slasher. Mathurin averages over nine free-throw attempts per game, while Kuminga has never averaged more than five.
But both players present the same challenge: role acceptance. Will Mathurin be willing to play a secondary role alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler? He is the better fit stylistically and has already accepted a non-primary role with the Pacers last season. But for how long will he be willing to wait? For the Warriors, the more important part might be getting out of the Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors once and for all.
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