The Golden State Warriors will have a difficult decision to make with Jonathan Kuminga. While letting Kuminga to depart in restricted free agency may be the best option, the Warriors can potentially sign and trade him. That might be the greatest option, depending on who they get in exchange.
Will Eudy, who was lately looking for potential targets for the Warriors, advocated trade for Miami Heat’s Haywood Highsmith. He went on to say that Highsmith would be ideal for the Warriors’ offense, and instead of bringing in a third star, he could serve as a complement to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
“This past season, we witnessed Highsmith develop into one of the NBA’s most effective perimeter defenders. He possesses the physical tools to handle skilled guards on defense and performs effectively when switches are used. To be honest, that is the type of versatility that the Warriors should seek heading into next season.
“What’s even better about Highsmith is that he’s exactly the type of low-usage offensive guy who can be effective while allowing his stars to perform to their full potential.
He moves incredibly effectively without the ball and is constantly striving to make an impact, even without the rock in his hands. This is especially essential for a team like the Warriors, where ball movement should be prioritized,” Eudy noted.
Miami is reportedly looking to shake up their roster.
According to the Miami Herald, the Miami Heat are trying to move on from Highsmith. While they haven’t made him available for trades and are aiming to just trade him, The Herald reported that they were willing to offer him in a deal involving Kevin Durant.
For the Golden State Warriors, that should imply he’s available.
“The Heat’s final offer included Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, two bench players and the 20th pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft,” wrote Jackson as well as Chiang. “Haywood Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr. were discussed as those two additional pieces in Miami’s offer, the source said.”
What Will the Warriors do with Kuminga?
Ultimately, the Golden State Warriors will decide what to do with Kuminga. When speaking with media about the situation, General Manager Mike Dunleavy said that he loves Kuminga and is at ease with who he is as a player. He also mentioned that it’s a top priority for them to figure out throughout the offseason.
“I also acknowledge, with restricted free agency, these things can drag out and take some time,” Dunleavy told the San Francisco Chronicle. “We are confident in JK as a player and his potential for our organization.” It’s a top priority heading into free agency.”
The Warriors will have a little more time to straighten things out, but things will soon get rough. They may come to regret letting Kuminga walk for nothing. If they could get someone like Highsmith, who was a valuable option on a terrible Heat team last year, they might be overjoyed.
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