Getty
Both Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors have left the door open on a future trade, and a perfect replacement isn’t too far away.
As the Golden State Warriors prepare for a potential midseason roster overhaul, a new three-team trade proposal has surfaced that would send Jonathan Kuminga to the Chicago Bulls while delivering immediate frontcourt and backcourt help to the struggling Warriors.
The hypothetical framework, outlined by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, positions Golden State to acquire center Daniel Gafford and guard Ayo Dosunmu—two players who address glaring needs on defense, rim protection and secondary playmaking.
Under the proposal, the Warriors, Bulls and Mavericks would exchange the following:
Golden State Warriors receive: C Daniel Gafford, G Ayo Dosunmu, CHI 2029 2nd-round pick
Chicago Bulls receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, C Trayce Jackson-Davis, PHI 2030 2nd-round pick (via DAL), DAL 2032 2nd-round pick
Dallas Mavericks receive: G Coby White, GSW 2027 1st-round pick
Mavericks Seek Guard Depth; Bulls Evaluate Kuminga as Long-Term Piece
Siegel reported that any Kuminga trade is expected to involve at least one additional team due to salary-matching complications and the Warriors’ desire to return specific roster upgrades.
“One potential path involves engaging in a scenario where Kuminga could go to the Bulls, which prompts the Dallas Mavericks to also be involved,” Siegel wrote, noting Dallas has been actively seeking guard depth and has shown repeated interest in Bulls guard Coby White.
White, in the final year of his contract, has not helped Chicago turn its season around since returning to the lineup, increasing speculation that the Bulls may move him before the deadline. In this framework, flipping White for Kuminga gives Chicago “a younger, more dynamic player on the same timeline as Josh Giddey,” Siegel noted.
For Golden State, Siegel argued that while the franchise may ultimately pursue forward depth in a Kuminga deal, adding Gafford and Dosunmu represents an immediate competitive upgrade.
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks.
“Not only can Gafford be the high-flying center and rebounding threat the Warriors haven’t had through the years, but Dosunmu’s defensive abilities on the wing… would make him an essential secondary player for the Dubs,” Siegel wrote.
Ultimately, Siegel concluded that the success of such a deal hinges on Chicago’s valuation of Kuminga. If the Bulls still view him as a rising All-Star, they could justify parting with both White and Dosunmu—two players on expiring contracts who have not agreed to long-term extensions.
Warriors Expected to Explore Kuminga Market as Benchings Continue
Multiple insiders have reported that the Warriors and Kuminga are trending toward a separation, especially after the former lottery pick fell out of Steve Kerr’s rotation in favor of two-way contract guard Pat Spencer. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State is “prepared to discuss trade scenarios” for Kuminga once he becomes eligible to be moved on Jan. 15.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported — the clearest indication yet that the front office is ready to pivot from the 23-year-old forward.
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reinforced that urgency.
“I just don’t know where,” Amick said on FanDuel’s Run It Back. “The urgency is there. Everything seems to have gone south.”
Kuminga’s Production Slides After Strong Start
Through 17 games this season, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 43.6% shooting — a decline from his early-season surge. Since returning from injury, he has struggled heavily, averaging just 7.8 points on 30% shooting over his last four games.
Before benching him, Kerr publicly challenged Kuminga over turnovers, conditioning and consistency.
“With JK, always run the floor. Take care of the ball. Turnovers have been an issue lately,” Kerr said. “I want him to be the first guy down the floor, not the last.”
Kerr later defended the rotation shift, saying such decisions “happen to everybody pretty much other than the stars.”
With Kuminga’s role shrinking and Golden State searching for immediate help, a multi-team trade scenario like Siegel’s may become a realistic avenue — depending on whether Chicago believes the former lottery pick can still develop into the All-Star he was drafted to become.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Warriors
Loading more stories