We’re less than two weeks out from the start of training camp, and the Golden State Warriors still haven’t added any new talent to the rotation.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Joe Lacob have focused on reaching an agreement with Jonathan Kuminga. The explosive forward is a restricted free agent, but has yet to sign a new deal with the franchise.
Regardless of what happens between the Warriors and Kuminga, it’s clear that his tenure with the franchise is on borrowed time. Therefore, Golden State may need to find a replacement who can hit the ground running. That’s where Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers comes in.
Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints has pinpointed the veteran three-level scorer as someone who could be a strong addition to Steve Kerr’s roster.
“If the Warriors are searching for a trade that immediately balances their roster and addresses glaring frontcourt concerns, Jerami Grant is perhaps the most logical candidate,” Brahmbhatt wrote. “…Unlike Kuminga, whose inconsistency has frustrated the coaching staff, Grant provides a known commodity: a veteran who can be trusted in playoff minutes. With Looney gone, Draymond needing to preserve energy, and Horford’s age limiting his regular-season usage, Grant could serve as the Warriors’ de facto safety net in the frontcourt.”
Grant played in 47 games last season. He averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 37.3% from the field and 36.5% from deep.
Warriors Reluctant To Trade Kuminga to Kings
Multiple teams have expressed interest in Kuminga this summer. The Sacramento Kings appear to be leading the pursuit if the Warriors make the former lottery pick available, either via trade or sign-and-trade.
However, The Athletic’s Sam Amick, speaking via a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140, has noted how the Warriors are reluctant to send Kuminga to their Northern California rivals.
“There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally “quit him,” if you will, but also to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team,” Amick said. “It’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadive, who used to be with the Warriors.”
Amick continued.
“And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star? From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles.”
Any deal to send Kuminga to Sacramento would likely include Malik Monk heading to the Bay Area. Monk would be a strong addition to Golden State, especially as a scorer and secondary playmaker.
Kuminga Will Sign Deal With Player Option
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Kuminga would be willing to sign the current three-year deal on the table if the Warriors make a slight adjustment and include a player option on the final year.
“I actually talked to Aaron Turner, Jonathan Kuminga’s agent, this morning, and the messaging they’re adopting this week is simple: turn the team option into a player option, and the deal is done,” Slater said on ESPN’s NBA Today. “The three-year contract on the table is worth around $74 million, and if the third year becomes a player option, Kuminga will not only sign it but also fully buy into the team’s mission. That mission, Turner says, is helping Stephen Curry and Draymond Green chase a fifth championship and giving Jimmy Butler a shot at his first.”
So far, the Warriors have been reluctant to include a player option in any contract offer. However, if they want to end the current stand-off, it may be the easiest route. At least then, they can continue to search out willing trade partners while being able to command a significant return.