The Los Angeles Clippers are currently undergoing a disappointing season sitting at 8-21, and while they have James Harden & Kawhi Leonard, they need to look towards their future. Both of their stars, while still elite when on the court, have to many problems with health and pure play style.
The Golden State Warriors on the flip side have a superstar in Steph Curry but not a great team around him to capitalize on this potential playoff run.They need to make a trade by the deadline if they want to compete with the Denver Nuggets or Oklahoma City Thunder.
Here’s why the Clippers should trade Ivica Zubac to the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga.
*Prediction*
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Golden State Warriors Receive: C Ivica Zubac & G Kris Dunn
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, G Trayce Jackson Davis, 2026 1st Rounder, 2028 1st Rounder
Why the Clippers Make Trade Ivica Zubac?
For the Clippers, moving Ivica Zubac in a deal centered around Jonathan Kuminga represents a strategic shift toward youth, upside, and long-term roster flexibility. Kuminga is an explosive two-way forward with star potential who could eventually become a franchise cornerstone—something the Clippers have lacked as their current core ages.
Trayce Jackson-Davis gives them another young, athletic big who can develop behind or alongside their existing frontcourt options. Coupled with two future first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, the Clippers would be injecting much-needed draft capital back into a system that has been pick-depleted for years due to previous blockbuster trades.
Additionally, moving Zubac allows the Clippers to retool without fully committing to a teardown. Kuminga brings immediate rotational value and long-term promise, while the picks offer flexibility for future moves or a more gradual rebuild.
Zubac has been a steady, reliable center, but his ceiling may be lower than the young pieces coming back. This trade allows the Clippers to reset their timeline, diversify their assets, and potentially build a more sustainable roster around whichever veterans remain.
Why Would Golden State Make This Trade?
For Golden State, acquiring Ivica Zubac fills a long-standing need for a dependable, physical, starting-caliber center—something the team has lacked since the peak years of their dynasty.
Zubac gives them a player that can legitimately play against Nikola Jokic, Chet Homgren, and Rudy Gobert. His rebounding, and efficient interior scoring, all of which complement the spacing and perimeter firepower of Stephen Curry. He represents a win-now upgrade at a position the Warriors have struggled to stabilize, making their rotation more balanced and playoff-ready. Adding Kris Dunn, a defensive-minded guard, further strengthens their bench with a reliable point-of-attack defender and secondary playmaker.
While parting with Jonathan Kuminga is difficult, this trade signals that Golden State is prioritizing immediate competitiveness while Curry’s championship window remains open. Kuminga’s development has been promising, but the Warriors may not have the patience to wait for his full breakout.
Zubac and Dunn provide more certainty, more fit, and more experience in areas the Warriors need most. The cost of two future firsts would be steep, but Golden State’s front office might see this move as the necessary push to maximize their current core before transitioning into a new era.