Despite a slow start to their offseason, the Golden State Warriors had a flurry of moves ahead of training camp and the preseason. They brought in Al Horford and Seth Curry, re-signed Gary Payton II, and most notably, Jonathan Kuminga.
While it was a foregone conclusion that he would return, the biggest sticking point was his contract. He ultimately agreed to a two-year, $48 million deal, but the Warriors may already be looking at trading him.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors are expected to put Kuminga on the trade block as soon as January 15th, when he is eligible to be traded. Considering how long it took for them and him to come to an agreement on a deal, that might come as a surprise.
But by giving him more guaranteed money, they were able to maintain the right to trade him this season.
The Golden State Warriors' trade deadline plans are painfully obvious
That was seemingly always their strategy, with him not being a part of the Warriors long-term plans. They may even have a potential trade partner or two. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns had previously been linked to Kuminga during his restricted free agency.
The Chicago Bulls were also linked to Kuminga, giving the Warriors three potential trade partners to pit against one another. The obvious goal for them is to try and find the most advantageous deal, turning a player who they don't have long-term plans for into real assets.
Whatever happens will be something we will watch closely, but there is always the possibility Kuminga makes a big leap and only increases his trade value.
Overall, the Warriors appear likely to trade Kuminga at some point this season. If Fischer is correct, then he may not even last until the trade deadline, with Golden State expected to take offers for Kuminga as soon as he's eligible to be moved.