The NBA trade deadline is only a few weeks away and one team that could be extremely active ahead of it is the Golden State Warriors.
Of course, Golden State had high expectations entering the season thanks to their superstar trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, though they have not lived up to the expectations thus far.
Advertisement
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Jimmy Butler III (10).Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)
Currently, the Warriors sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 25-21 record and while they are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, the loss of Butler for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL is set to have a major impact on the rest of their season.
Even without Butler’s season-ending injury, Golden State was expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline but now with their star forward sidelined, the Warriors may be extremely aggressive to find a replacement for Butler to chase a title this season.
Advertisement
Warriors May Target Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic in Potential Jonathan Kuminga Swap
For Golden State, their main trade asset is forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is expected to be moved ahead of the trade deadline, especially after he demanded a trade from the team.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00)Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
(Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)
Despite this, Kuminga has not drawn much interest from teams around the NBA this season and his value has taken a hit with him falling out of Steve Kerr’s rotation prior to Butler’s injury.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
(Nick Wosika-Imagn Images)
Because of this, the Warriors may not get a ton for him this season, though they may be able to land Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic in a potential trade with Chicago being linked to Kuminga in trade rumors.
Advertisement
Mock Trade Sends Jonathan Kuminga to Bulls for Nikola Vucevic
In a potential trade, the Warriors could send Kuminga to the Bulls in exchange for Vucevic and draft capital.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan KumingaKamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
While this trade may not give the Warriors the return they want in a potential Kuminga deal, swapping him for Vucevic and draft picks could work out well for them.
For Vucevic, he is a reliable scorer and rebounder who would finally fill Golden State’s glaring hole at the center position next to Green in the frontcourt.
Advertisement
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9)
The veteran big man would provide the Warriors with another reliable scoring option next to Curry and he would also help Golden State stretch the floor thanks to his 3-point shooting.
This season, the 35-year-old center is averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 37.3% from three.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(© Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
Vucevic is also on an expiring contract that could either allow the Warriors to sign him to an extension if his fit in their lineup works out or they could let him walk in free agency to clear cap space to make multiple moves in the offseason.
Advertisement
Despite this, Golden State may want more in return for Kuminga, including younger players, which may cause them to look elsewhere to upgrade their roster to try and salvage this season with Butler sidelined for the remainder of the year.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.