Kuminga officially requests a trade! US media lists three most realistic options, including a three-team deal to bring back Klay

On January 16th Beijing time, the deadlock that has shaped the Warriors' season for the majority of this year has at last come to a much-anticipated end. Following a lengthy restricted free agency tug-of-war, Kuminga signed a two-year deal and has now become eligible for trade. He has seized this opportunity to officially submit a trade request.

In recent months, Kuminga's trade value has dropped repeatedly. Looking back, it is quite ironic that the Warriors were unwilling to include him in offers pursuing Lauri Markkanen before the last two offseasons. Renowned US media outlet Bleacher Report has outlined three fresh trade proposals, reflecting the market’s new and significantly diminished valuation of the 23-year-old former lottery pick.

Option One: Warriors trade five for one to acquire Michael Porter Jr.

Warriors receive: Michael Porter Jr.

Nets receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap rights

Insider Slater revealed that if a suitable star is available for trade, the Warriors are "willing to give up multiple first-round picks." With Giannis and Davis seemingly off the trade market, Porter Jr. might be the closest to meeting the "star" criteria.

Porter Jr. is having the best season of his career, averaging 25.7 points per game with a 40.1% three-point shooting rate. The early-career injury concerns that plagued him have largely disappeared — since the 2023-24 season began, he has missed only 13 games. His shooting ability, newly developed offensive moves, and physical stature could fill the Warriors’ missing pieces; moreover, Porter Jr. has already proven he can contribute at an elite level for a championship team, which is a definite plus.

For a Warriors team whose offense often collapses when Curry is off the court, Porter Jr.'s hot streak this season is truly a timely boost.

The Nets might want to involve a third team or demand more draft compensation from the Warriors, but they must be wary of overreaching. Porter Jr.'s trade value is currently at its peak, and the Nets may be unwilling to risk waiting. If Porter Jr. suffers injury, misses games, or his offensive form declines, the Warriors likely won’t offer the deal outlined above. Just months ago, the Nuggets had to include a draft pick to offload his contract.

If the trade is delayed until the offseason, Porter Jr. will officially become a "rental" player, as his contract expires after next season.

This trade holds motivating factors for both sides to make it happen.

Option Two: Klay Thompson returns home

Warriors receive: Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson

Mavericks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Georges Niang

Jazz receive: Buddy Hield, Warriors 2027 first-round pick swap rights

This deal is driven by sentiment: the Warriors bring back Thompson while also acquiring one of their most athletic big men in years. Gafford has recently battled injuries but has played at least 72 games each season from 2021-22 through 2023-24. His alley-oop finishing and rim protection fit perfectly in any Warriors lineup without Green (who also struggles with outside shooting).

Thompson’s salary next season is $17.5 million, a figure not reflective of his current on-court performance, but bringing him back to support what could be the final run for this core dynasty (2026-27 season) is undeniably appealing. The contracts of Curry, Green, and Thompson all expire after next season.

The Mavericks gain youth in their roster; Kuminga’s addition along with Niang’s expiring contract enhances salary flexibility. Given that the injured Davis is unlikely to re-sign, Dallas’s plan to build around Flagler makes sense. Kuminga, 23, has a team option next season, aligning well with this rebuilding timeline.

The Utah Jazz act as the “third-party facilitator,” taking on Hield and acquiring the Warriors’ 2027 first-round pick swap rights as compensation. A potential obstacle could be the Jazz’s valuation of the Warriors’ first-round pick — two years from now, the Warriors’ draft position may not be higher than Utah’s. However, considering the Warriors’ dynasty is ending while the Jazz are ascending, Hield’s $3 million guaranteed salary for 2026-27 plus the swap rights might be enough to entice Utah.

Option Three: Warriors add an experienced player to the roster

Warriors receive: Norman Powell

Heat receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 first-round pick

On January 8th, Powell became eligible to sign a 4-year, $129 million extension but has yet to reach an agreement with Miami. Does this suggest Miami has reservations about the deal? After all, for 2026-27, the Heat already have large contracts for Adebayo ($49.8 million), Herro ($33 million), and Wiggins (player option worth $30 million). Adding a max deal for Powell would further strain their salary cap.

Powell has been impressive this season, even improving upon his career-best last year. Now 32, his potential for further growth is limited, but even if his stats dip slightly from his current averages of 23.9 points, 2.7 assists, and shooting splits of 48.5%/41.4%/85.5%, he remains a highly valuable starter.

Even if Miami hesitates to commit big money to Powell, the Warriors’ previous moves show they would not share that concern. Their current roster includes many players aged 30 and above (even over 35), so they could view Powell as a quality “rental” or a player worth keeping long-term. After all, a year ago, shortly after acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Warriors promptly offered him a contract extension — setting a precedent.

Powell served as a primary offensive option for Miami for a long time, so his arrival could inject much-needed energy into the often stagnant Warriors offense. Meanwhile, Miami might feel that Kuminga’s $24 million team option next season is a better value than committing a large contract to Powell, whose performance will likely decline. Additionally, with Herro soon up for extension, Miami’s salary cap is already tight.

Including the first-round pick sweetener might be enough to push the trade through; Miami could even ask for a later first-round pick, since by then the Warriors might be entering a post-Curry era with a higher draft position.

What do you think the Warriors could get in exchange for Kuminga? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.