Throughout the summer, Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors franchise has been a hot topic for debate. The explosive forward is a restricted free agent, but has yet to sign a new deal with the franchise, and has instead explored his options elsewhere around the NBA. As such, multiple sign-and-trade rumors have been floated around, with Kuminga landing on a team that can give him a guaranteed big role.
Golden State has stood firm, though, and has continually put out messaging to state that they still value Kuminga and would prefer to get a deal done that keeps him with the team, at least for the time being. Yet, Kuminga’s reluctance to sign the contract on offer is ensuring that rumors continue to emerge, including potential sign-and-trade packages.
A recent report from NBA Insider Jake Fischer, via “The Stein Line” newsletter, has noted that Golden State has no plans to include Buddy Hield in any sign-and-trade discussions. Hield recently completed his first season with the franchise and impressed with his ability to ease the perimeter scoring pressure on Stephen Curry.
“Golden State has refused this summer to even entertain sign-and-trade scenarios that would require it to surrender either Buddy Hield or Moses Moody because of the limited options currently on the roster in terms of proven shooters,” Fischer reported.
Hield played in all 82 games, averaging 11.1 points and 3.2 rebounds on 41.7% shooting from the field and 37% from 3-point range. He has three years remaining on his current $37.7 million deal, with the final year a player option which he’s likely to opt into as he will be 35 at the time.
Regardless of what happens with Kuminga, it would appear Hield has a role to play within Steve Kerr’s rotation. Therefore, we will likely see him suiting up the second unit throughout the upcoming season and beyond.
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