With Jonathan Kuminga reportedly rejecting multiple offers from the Golden State Warriors and continuing to express frustration with the limited role the franchise has offered him, the team appears ready to move in another direction.
According to recent reports, the Dubs are trying to explore Kuminga’s trade value by having trade discussions with the Sacramento Kings about Malik Monk and inquiring about a potential swap.
While parting ways with a 22-year-old forward is a tough decision, Jeff Teague believes pursuing Monk rather than forcing their way with a demotivated player is better. More precisely, Teague believes that if Monk is given the right opportunity, he, too, could have a championship-esque impact on the team like Jordan Poole.
Teague on why Malik is a better choice
Kuminga showed flashes of brilliance when given the chance. In the Dubs’ second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he led the team in scoring in Steph’s absence. However, given the presence of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler on the roster, it is likely that coach Steve Kerr sees him as a third option on the wing.
On the other hand, Monk represents a different kind of fit — someone who can thrive off the ball, seamlessly slide into the Warriors’ motion-heavy system and effectively contribute to the scoring load by using his versatility.
Monk’s 2024-25 season production speaks volumes about his game. He averaged 17.2 points on 32.5 percent shooting from the three-point line. Monk can create space for himself by playing off the ball and possesses the explosiveness to attack the rim at will and score.
For Teague, Monk can have the same level of impact as Poole, who grew up in the Warriors system and thrived while not having the ball in his hand the whole time. Poole learned patience and knew when to seize the moment in clutch time.
“Malik Monk could be a fire addition to the Warriors. But I think they set on getting a big, that’s what they need more than anything,” Teague said on an episode of his “Club 520” podcast. “I think he’d be a fire addition, though, ’cause they need a spark plug like him. That’s that Jordan Poole type player right there.
“If he got in that system with them veterans and them players that could mold him a little more, he’ll probably be better than Jordan Poole,” he added.
Monk would thrive in the Bay
At this point, in addition to a traditional big man, the Warriors need players who can ease the scoring load and offer versatility on offense while remaining flexible with their roles and minutes. Monk checks all those boxes while also giving the team a much-needed x-factor presence off the bench or alongside the starters.
Furthermore, as Teague rightly emphasized, a team looking to capitalize on Steph’s championship window can add bold role players like Malik to help it become an ideal underdog in the loeaded Western Conference.
It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds, as Kuminga has been disgruntled with his role on the Dubs for a while. The regulars are around the corner, and if GSW wants to add a player who will be impactful for them, it is better they do it sooner rather than later.