Freefalling in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are experiencing a major crisis, having suffered their biggest home defeat since acquiring Stephen Curry and are increasingly distant from the playoffs. There are suggestions that the franchise is considering a rebuild in the upcoming months. According to Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports, the Indiana Pacers are already eyeing a trade for two Warriors players.
“I keep hearing the name Andrew Wiggins [linked to Indiana],” Fischer reported initially. “And I know Jonathan Kuminga is another Warriors player the Pacers have been monitoring and linked to Golden State since the last draft,” he added.
As mentioned by the journalist, the Pacers’ interest in a trade for these Warriors players is longstanding. However, with the current situation, neither of them is considered untouchable.
Wiggins, for instance, is no longer an undisputed starter for the team and recently spent time on the bench. According to journalist Tim Kawakami from The Athletic, the franchise is open to hearing proposals for the player.
“Despite me saying before that the Warriors might be reluctant to involve Wiggins in a trade, things have changed,” the reporter stated. “Since then, I hear that the Warriors wouldn’t put up barriers to explore a deal involving the player. Especially if he can’t play alongside Kuminga, and if the Warriors decide that Kuminga will be the small forward from now on,” he continued.
Kuminga, since joining the Warriors, has been seen as a significant prospect for the franchise. However, in the current season, he had conflicts with coach Steve Kerr. Recently, he indicated that there would be no more harmony with the coach, a situation that seems to have been resolved.
“I love it here. After all, everything I know about the NBA, I was chosen here. It was this team that gave me the opportunity. Ups and downs are normal in everything in life. But I know Steve believes in me, I know he trusts me. I’ve been a starter for a reason. So, there was no issue. We just communicated. That’s what I wanted. Let’s move forward and work to improve our situation on the standings, together,” concluded the young player.
Steve Kerr, on the other hand, mentioned that Kuminga is part of Golden State’s future.
“It’s a tough situation, something that happens on teams with a lot of talent. He’s evolving, improving every game, and not just him but several other young players. All of this, in addition to our veterans. So, these are very complicated decisions every night. But the fact is, he’s getting better and that’s why he’s a starter on the team today,” he praised.
Reconstruction
Given the circumstances and how they have impacted the results, the Warriors’ management intends to react before the trade deadline. As per Shams Charania of The Athletic, all players on the team, except Stephen Curry, may depart.
“Now, the mindset of the Warriors is that the entire team, except Stephen Curry, could be involved in a trade. That is the franchise’s new mindset. Realistically, there is an asterisk. So, Golden State will try to make some moves,” affirmed the journalist.
“For example, there’s the situation with Klay Thompson. Does the franchise want to keep him long-term? After all, they couldn’t reach an agreement on a contract extension. And Draymond Green, who just signed an extension but has been involved in a series of unsportsmanlike actions?”
“The franchise leadership is a fan of Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. However, Andrew Wiggins and the entire rest of the Warriors’ roster, except Stephen Curry, are at risk of being traded,” Charania concluded.
