Latest news with #JonathanKuminga
Yahoo
9 hours ago
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- Yahoo
Report: Jonathan Kuminga's representation explored Warriors-Bulls trade options
Report: Jonathan Kuminga's representation explored Warriors-Bulls trade options originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area While the Jonathan Kuminga situation has the Warriors stuck at a standstill, it appears there was an effort on the player's side to facilitate a move to an Eastern Conference team. Kuminga's representation explored sign-and-trade scenarios that would allow the Chicago Bulls to acquire the 22-year-old wing while also retaining restricted-free agent point guard Josh Giddey, NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported during a livestream on Bleacher Report's YouTube page on Thursday. Fischer also noted that a deal between these two teams would've made more sense for Golden State had the Warriors been able to receive point guard Lonzo Ball from Chicago in return, which now is impossible as the veteran point guard instead was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month. Fischer's report also indicated doubt the Warriors are interested in veteran big man Nikola Vučević, citing hesitancy around Golden State's enthusiasm in potentially losing Kuminga for a player on an expiring contract. The Warriors are the only NBA team who has yet to add or re-sign a player in free agency, with the lack of moves likely being directly tied to a lack of a resolution in the ongoing Kuminga saga. While it appears there at minimum was diligence done on a deal that would have sent Kuminga to the Windy City, there likely will need to be another avenue for a viable solution to conclude the ongoing saga that has put Golden State's offseason plans on hold for the moment. Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NBA power rankings 2025-26: Where do teams stand after NBA offseason? Rockets, Nuggets chase Thunder at top
While there is still some offseason business to get done — where does Jonathan Kuminga land? Will Luka Doncic sign an extension with the Lakers? — the majority of rosters are now settled. We have seen the rookies at NBA Summer League. Which means, it's time for a summer edition of our NBA Power Rankings. TRUE TITLE CONTENDERS (Last season 68-14) The defending champions are the team everyone else is chasing — they locked up their core three (Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren) with extensions and are running it back pretty much the same roster that just won 68 games and a ring. At Summer League, Ajay Mitchell looked ready for more minutes and Nikola Topic looked ready for some. This team just gets deeper and better. (Last season 52-30) It's obvious to say Kevin Durant fills in the missing piece of the puzzle in the half court that Houston lacked, that doesn't make it any less correct. That, plus the growth of their young players, makes the Rockets title contenders. Adding Dorian Finney-Smith to the rotation was one of the sneaky best pickups of the offseason, which makes the Rockets' defense and depth that much better. (Last season 50-32) With days left in the last season, the Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone, then this offseason went out and did what he had been begging the franchise to do for years — acquire quality veterans. Jonas Valanciunas is the best backup big of the Jokic era and it's not close. Cam Johnson will be an upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. (especially defensively), and Tim Hardaway Jr. and the return of Bruce Brown are exactly what this team needed. Denver took OKC 7 in the last playoffs and improved this offseason. (Last season 64-18) I'm higher on the Cavaliers next season than a lot of people, partially because I don't put as much stock in their playoff exit as most. Darius Garland is critical to this team's success, and his trying to play through turf toe changed everything. If healthy, and with Evan Mobley taking another step forward, this team is a legit contender with Donovan Mitchell as the go-to star. SECOND CIRCLE CONTENDERS (Last season 49-33) They have been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals and Anthony Edwards is still improving — do not sleep on this team. The Timberwolves locked up Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker is going to sting. A lot. (Last season 51-31) The question isn't, 'Is Mike Brown a better coach than Tom Thibodeau?' The question is, 'Does having a different voice in Mike Brown and going deeper into the bench during the regular season make a difference?' We shall see. Brown takes over a job with more pressure than any other coach in the league. PLAYOFFS OR BUST (Last season 50-32) The Clippers have a stacked regular-season lineup. They locked up James Harden coming off an All-NBA season, and they added quality size up front in Brook Lopez and John Collins. Bradley Beal steps right into the Norman Powell role (and the team may not miss a beat). This is a big and deep roster that can rest Kawhi Leonard a fair amount during the regular season and still win a lot of games (trust Harden in the playoffs at your own peril). (Last season 41-41) Orlando had as good an offseason as any team in the league — Desmond Bane is a perfect fit for this roster. Tyus Jones is exactly what this team needs behind Jalen Suggs at the point. Keep Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner healthy, and this team is a threat in the East. I have them as the No. 3 seed at the moment. (Last season 50-32) There is always drama swirling around LeBron James and the Lakers, but don't buy into the trade talk — LeBron will be with the team when training camp opens. So will skinny Luka Doncic, and if that duo can prod Deandre Ayton to care and play hard the majority of the time, this Lakers team is a playoff threat. They are going to miss Dorian Finney-Smith and his shooting (and perimeter defense). (Last season 48-34) If the Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core can stay healthy and everything breaks their way, the Warriors could make a nice postseason run. Not to state the obvious, but the health of the Curry/Butler/Green core is a legit concern. The Golden State Warriors receive an incomplete grade for their offseason until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved (they currently only have nine players on the roster for next season; there is work to be done here). (Last season 48-34) Giannis Antetokounmpo said he would 'probably' return to the Bucks, which feels like an understatement (he added, 'I love Milwaukee'). It doesn't matter how many teams are monitoring the situation if he doesn't force his way out, and it doesn't appear he will this summer. Myles Turner is an upgrade over Brook Lopez at this point in their careers. However, the Bucks need another ball handler and shot creator at the two/three slot, or there is a serious ceiling on this team. (Last season 40-42) No team had a better offseason than Atlanta, which is why they jump in these rankings to what would be the fifth seed in the East. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a fantastic fit at guard, bringing needed shooting and defense, while Luke Kennard adds more shooting. If he's healthy, Kristaps Porzingis brings the shot-blocking presence this team needs, plus he will be a great pick-and-pop partner with Trae Young. The biggest Atlanta addition: Getting Jalen Johnson healthy. Throw in the expected growth from Zaccharie Risacher and Atlanta looks like a team that could make some noise in the East. (Last season 44-38) This ranking almost feels too low for a team that announced its arrival last season, but did they do enough to move up? Despite rumors, there were no big, bold moves by the Pistons this offseason — the team has no Robin to Cade Cunningham's Batman — but Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson will fit in well as role players. (Last season 24-58) This ranking is either way too low or way too high. If Joel Embiid and Paul George are healthy next season, the 76ers are title contenders; if it's another season of them looking older and injured, the lottery is in their future. VJ Edgecombe showcased his athleticism at Summer League, and he, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain form an impressive young trio that could be the future in Philly. But first, the present needs to play out. (Last season 34-48) Victor Wembanyama is healthy and cleared following the resolution of the blood clot issue in his shoulder. If the Spurs' 'problem' is figuring out how to fit De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle together in the same backcourt, that's a good problem to have. We'll get a feel for what the Spurs think of their future direction next month when it's time for Fox to receive a contract extension. (Last season 48-34) The Grizzlies will miss Desmond Bane, but if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finds his rhythm again in Memphis he can help mitigate a lot of that. Memphis locked up Jaren Jackson Jr. and they made a quality pickup in Ty Jerome. If Ja Morant can stay healthy and find a little more efficiency, this ranking may prove too low. (Last season 61-21). Jayson Tatum may be sidelined for most (if not all) of next season, and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are gone, but there is still talent on this roster. Jaylen Brown is poised for a big season with a larger shot creation role, Derrick White is still out there knocking down clutch shots, plus Anfernee Simons is going to get them some buckets. This team is not a contender, but it's also not a pushover this season. (Last season 39-43) Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype at Summer League, and what impressed most is that it wasn't just his scoring — that was up and down in terms of efficiency, which is to be expected in his first year — but it was his defense and playmaking that stood out. With D'Angelo Russell at the point, and if Anthony Davis can stay healthy, this is a solid team that should improve as the year goes on. Mavericks' Cooper Flagg with the monster help side block, transition push and assist for go-ahead jumper in final minute vs. Lakers Play-In Hopefuls (Last season 37-45) Trading for Norman Powell from the Clippers was a steal, he is exactly what Miami needs as a secondary shot creator next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. That said, this was a middle-of-the-pack Heat team last season that made no bold moves, no massive upgrades, leaving them in the same spot they were a year ago. (Last season 30-52) This team certainly has talent — Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickly, RJ Barrett — but that talent overlaps more than fits together. This just feels like an oddly constructed team. And among all that good talent, is there a true No. 1 option on a playoff team? The Jakob Poeltl re-signing makes sense on the court, but it felt like an overpay. (Last season 36-46) Damian Lillard's return home is heartwarming, but it doesn't help the team on the court this season. However, that team is interesting, potentially good, and may make this ranking look too low. Their starting five opening night could be Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan, with Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara and maybe some Yang Hansen off the bench (his passing is infectious for a team's offense, but his defense and strength need work to get serious NBA rotation minutes). We'll see if the post All-Star Game run from last season can extend into this one. (Last season 39-43) What exactly is the plan in Chicago? Still trying to figure that out. Turning Lonzo Ball into Isaac Okoro isn't exactly an upgrade. At least the Bulls are negotiating with Josh Giddey and not just handing him the bag (ala Patrick Williams). The Bulls and Giddey remain about $6-$10 million a season apart on reaching a new deal (Giddey is seeking $30 million a season, the Bulls are thinking low $20 millions). No. 12 pick Noa Essengue had a rough first game at the Las Vegas Summer League but looked better getting to his shot as he played more games. Despite all those questions, this ranking might be too low for a team that should more likely hover around .500. (Last season 40-42) It's just a matter of fit. Bringing in veteran Dennis Schroder to run the point is a solid move on one level — he's a quality NBA rotation one — but he's not a feared shooter. Play him with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, and teams can just pack the paint and dare the Kings to beat them from 3. This is another team where the long-term plan is unclear, despite having some talent on the roster. What's the vision? On the bright side, rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford have looked pretty good at Summer League. (Last season 50-32) This will be the Andrew Nembhard team for a season (while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from his torn Achilles, the ball will be in his hands). Pascal Siakam will also be asked to do more shot creation, and with that, he should see a bump in his stats. Jay Huff is a solid signing at center, but this team lacks a defensive presence in the paint. It's going to be a rough year in Indy after such a magical run a year ago. (Last season 19-63) Charlotte had a good offseason, that doesn't mean they are a good team yet — although they could well be a play-in or maybe playoff team if LaMelo Ball can stay healthy for 65+ games. At least there seems to be a plan under new ownership and a new front office. Collin Sexton was a solid pickup for next to nothing. No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel's shooting is needed and he can slot next to Ball and Brandon Miller. I like just drafted center Ryan Kalkbrenner, he impressed me at Summer League with his defense. Dreaming of Lottery Luck (already) (Last season 18-64) There are some interesting young players on this roster: Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Cam Whitmore, Keyshawn George, and the just-drafted Tre Johnson (who is fun to watch because he has yet to meet a shot he doesn't like). The concern: At one point at the Las Vegas Summer League, the Wizards rolled out a five-man lineup of guys who will get minutes on the team this fall, and they got run out of the building by the summer Suns (not exactly a powerhouse squad). It's concerning. Still, this is a team with a plan and making better decisions than it did a couple of years ago. (Last season 21-61) There are so many inconsistent players on this roster, but if everything clicks this ranking will be WAY too low. That starts with Zion Williamson staying healthy, which remains the pivot point with this team. Then there's the need for a good Jordan Poole season, both Trey Murphy II and Herb Jones staying healthy and playing well on the wings, and rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen contributing. That's a lot of 'if' that have to come together this season, and don't get started on the long term. (Last season 36-46) Phoenix had a relatively good offseason considering they reset the roster and started to retool around Devin Booker. That doesn't mean they got better. Kevin Durant is in Houston, Bradley Beal will be an anchor on their books for five years but is in Los Angeles, and Booker is now locked up for another two years. Jalen Green is going to get a lot of shots. Rookie Khaman Maluach showed promise at Summer League, but also reminded everyone that he is a bit of a project that will take some time to live up to his potential. (Last season 26-56) This is what rebuilding should look like, but it's going to be a rough season on the court. The trade to acquire Michael Porter Jr. was a good one — he is going to put up points (inconsistently, but points nonetheless) this season, and that 2032 Denver first-round pick is gold. Egor Demin and especially Nolan Traore impressed with their potential at Summer League, but they are rookies learning the game. Whatever the over is on Cam Thomas' shots, bet it (the sides will work out the restricted free agency before the season begins). (Last season 17-65) This is what a rebuilding team should be doing, but it will likely result in a rough season on the court. Trading away John Collins and Collin Sexton is the latest sign the team will turn the keys over to young players (Lauri Markkanen remains, unless they get blown away by a trade offer). Ace Bailey is a project but immensely talented, while Walter Clayton showed some potential at the Las Vegas Summer League. Kyle Filipowski might have been the best player in Las Vegas and looks ready for a bigger role and minutes this season.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Source: Warriors Have A Handshake Deal In Place With Al Horford; Jonathan Kuminga Holds Up Move
Source: Warriors Have A Handshake Deal In Place With Al Horford; Jonathan Kuminga Holds Up Move originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Warriors have been in search of adding some size to their team ever since the departure of Kevon Looney in free agency. And now, they seem to be locked in on bringing Al Horford, the former NBA champion and 18-year veteran in the league, to the Bay Area. According to Marc Grandi, the host of 95.7 The Game, a Bay Area Sports Radio Show, the Warriors have had a handshake deal with Al Horford and will likely only finalize the terms of the contract after they decide on what to do with Jonathan Kuminga. While refuting a Warriors analyst claiming the holdup on their confirmation of Al Horford's signing is his retirement decision, Grandi said that the Warriors want to gauge how much money they can offer Horford based on what happens with Kuminga. "I don't think the holdup on Al Horford is him deciding whether he wants to retire or not. My read is that GSW has a handshake agreement with him in place, but it could be slightly edited depending on how much extra money they have to play with based on the Kuminga outcome." Al Horford is one of the top available free agents at the moment who could fulfill the Warriors' requirements. Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. As a 6'9" center with a 7'1" wingspan, Horford is a perfect center for a small-ball lineup. While he doesn't have the size to provide elite shot blocking inside the paint, his shooting skills make him a threat to stretch the floor and open more space for his teammates to work with. According to Brad Stevens, the Celtics' General Manager, they made offers to both Al Horford and Luke Kornet, but both of them are unlikely to return to the Celtics. Kornet joined the Spurs on a four-year, $41 million contract, and Horford is assessing offers from multiple teams while also considering retirement. With Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and now Al Horford's imminent exit, we will likely see a whole new look of the Celtics next season. Meanwhile, the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga are reportedly nearing an agreement on a partial value contract that will make him eligible to be traded after December 15. Once the terms of that contract are decided, the Warriors will have the right to make minor alterations to their potential final offer to Al Horford. When these two situations are resolved, the Warriors can then look to make other additions to their roster, like De'Anthony Melton or potentially Bradley Beal. The Warriors have a lot of holes to fill, and landing Horford would be the first step in temporarily fixing those issues for a potential championship run. It will be interesting to see what moves the Warriors have planned for the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonathan Kuminga's Potential Warriors Deal Includes Unspoken Trade Deadline Exit
Jonathan Kuminga's Potential Warriors Deal Includes Unspoken Trade Deadline Exit originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Jonathan Kuminga is likely returning to the Golden State Warriors, but only temporarily. According to Brett Siegel, Kuminga is expected to re-sign with the Warriors in the coming days. However, the fine print of that reunion reveals a strategic understanding between both parties: this is not a long-term partnership. Multiple league sources confirm that the Warriors and Kuminga's camp are operating under the mutual expectation that the 21-year-old forward will be traded before the 2026 NBA trade deadline in February. On the surface, this seems like an amicable resolution to a stalled offseason for both sides. The Warriors didn't receive the kind of offers they were hoping for in sign-and-trade scenarios, and Kuminga didn't find a suitable new home either. Teams like the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets were all floated as potential destinations, but none came close to sealing a deal. The Kings in particular were rumored to be interested, but cap space complications and roster congestion effectively removed them from serious consideration. Likewise, Miami has moved on after trading for Norman Powell and reaching the first apron. Golden State had hoped to use Kuminga as a high-value trade piece to retool the roster with younger talent or future draft capital. But the market never materialized. With only nine players under contract and over $25 million in space below the first tax apron, the Warriors need clarity around Kuminga's contract to move forward with other signings. That's why a temporary reunion now makes sense: Kuminga returns, plays significant minutes, and rebuilds his value league-wide, all while the Warriors keep him as a flexible trade chip for a bigger deal closer to the deadline. The subtext is unmistakable. This isn't about building around Kuminga. It's about buying time. Kuminga showed real flashes of growth during the 2024–25 campaign, especially when Stephen Curry went down in the playoffs. His athleticism, defensive upside, and improving offensive versatility made him a key part of the Warriors' late-season competitiveness. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. publicly praised Kuminga's development, and owner Joe Lacob reportedly supports his return. Yet the writing is on the wall. By locking him into a new deal now, the Warriors can trade his full salary in February — a crucial distinction, since sign-and-trade rules restrict outgoing salary to 50% value if the deal happens before that window. That means Kuminga, on a full mid-level type salary, becomes an incredibly useful contract to include in a larger trade for a veteran piece or draft assets. It's all about leverage and timing. Until that happens, the Warriors will continue navigating a cautious offseason. Free agent targets like Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and Seth Curry remain on their radar. The team is actively weighing minimum signings that can bolster depth around Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green without tipping into the luxury tax danger zone. Melton and Ben Simmons are among those who might take discounts to join Golden State's rotation, depending on how things shake out. But none of that movement can truly begin until Kuminga's contract situation is finalized. In essence, the Warriors are using this moment to hedge. They'll give Kuminga a platform to increase his trade value while keeping him off the books as a restricted free agent. And Kuminga, for his part, gets guaranteed money, a familiar system, and the opportunity to prove he's ready for a bigger role, somewhere else. It's not a long-term marriage. It's a business partnership with a ticking clock. And everyone, from Joe Lacob to rival executives, knows it ends in February. Related: Source: Warriors Have A Handshake Deal In Place With Al Horford; Jonathan Kuminga Holds Up Move This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Insider Dismisses Jonathan Kuminga Trade to Bulls, Highlights Fit Issues With Warriors
Insider Dismisses Jonathan Kuminga Trade to Bulls, Highlights Fit Issues With Warriors originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Jonathan Kuminga trade saga has been the key point of concern for the Golden State Warriors this offseason. While the Chicago Bulls were viewed as a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old forward, NBA insider Zach Lowe dismissed any notion of this on a recent episode of "The Zach Lowe Show". He said: "I don't think Vooch (Vucevic) to Golden State is a thing. I don't think it's a thing, I'm not sure it really ever was a thing, on this current contract anyway." A trade rumor had linked the Warriors with the Bulls, with the proposal sending Kuminga to Chicago in exchange for Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. While this had gained a lot of traction on social media platforms and among the Warriors fanbase, no such trade materialized. Instead, Golden State was left with negotiating Kuminga's contract extension while also debating their intentions to part ways with him. The 22-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the Bay Area in pursuit of his dream of becoming an All-Star. While he is an exceptional talent, it was quite clear that his fit with the Warriors was clunky. Lowe shed more light on why this created problems for both parties when he added: "I think we're all guilty of overcomplicating it a little bit... If he just defended better, I think he would've played more. I think the Warriors coaches would have let him the defense just hasn't been there consistently enough." Lowe's comments paint an interesting picture of the situation in Golden State. The Warriors' style of basketball, their motion offense, has always been predicated on unselfishness and movement without the ball. Players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who were effective without the ball in their hands, benefited the most from this. While perimeter shooting ability is typically a prerequisite for Warriors players, the franchise has featured enough players who break the mold. From Shaun Livingston to Jimmy Butler, the Dubs have always featured a player with a contrasting style of play. Lowe's expectations of Kuminga present the forward as this type of player. Unfortunately, with Kerr placing more faith in Butler, primarily due to his experience, the 22-year-old is simply in the wrong environment to embrace that role, something Kerr has mentioned as well. Last season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. Although his perimeter shooting leaves more to be desired, the young forward displayed an innate ability to create scoring opportunities through sheer athletic prowess. There is certainly a scenario in which Kuminga could thrive within the Warriors' framework, but it would require him to adhere to the role carved out for him. When considering his aspirations, this simply may not align. As things stand, the Warriors haven't shown any indication of trading him in the offseason. This hesitation has also held up other transactions. As the signing of Al Horford has been delayed further, potentially seeing the veteran shift interest to other teams, Golden State could consider reevaluating its approach to the story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
