Last February, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors completed a five-team blockbuster for star forward Jimmy Butler. The two sides could re-engage for a deal once again, but this time for another disgruntled forward.
As soon as he became eligible to be traded on Jan. 15, Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga reportedly “demanded” to be traded. The problem is that there’s essentially no market for the disgruntled 23-year-old, at least according to Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.
However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, an option that could be explored is a swap involving Heat wing Andrew Wiggins — who was dealt in the Butler trade.
“League sources tell The Stein Line that one avenue which will certainly be explored is the prospect of a Kuminga-for-Andrew Wiggins swap with Miami that potentially brings Wiggins back to the Bay Area after he was shipped to South Beach last February for Butler,” Stein’s report read. “Yet it must also be noted that the prospect of keeping Kuminga beyond the trade deadline in the hopes that playing him for the rest of the season rebuilds some of his lost value — untenable as that might seem on some level given all the tension that has built up between the parties since last summer’s contentious restricted free agency talks — in indeed on the Warriors’ board.
“Picking up Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option for next season to include that salary in a more impactful offseason trade is seen as a consideration that Golden State will undoubtedly weigh as it considers its next steps.”
What would a Jonathan Kuminga-Andrew Wiggins swap look like?
The Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors cannot legally do a one-for-one swap between the two sides unless they shed at least another $5.5 million.
Currently, the Warriors are $264K away from the $207.8 million second apron. They are hard-capped after using the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign veteran big Al Horford.
Kuminga is under contract for $22.5 million this season with a $24.3 million team option next year. Wiggins, on the other hand, is on the books for $28.2 million this year with a $30.2 million player option. That means that, unless they shed salary elsewhere, they can’t do a one-for-one swap.
Golden State has Moses Moody’s $11.6 million, Buddy Hield’s $9.2 million and Al Horford’s $5.7 million it could offload, as well.
This one-for-one hypothetical would push the Heat above the luxury tax, but they would still be below the first apron. Miami would have more flexibility to either decline Kuminga’s team option in the summer or use it in a trade for 1.) a bigger name as a salary filler or 2.) cheaper assets.
Kuminga’s relationship with Golden State is … tenuous, to put it lightly. He has raw potential, but hasn’t necessarily impacted winning for the last 2-3 seasons. Ultimately, his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr appears to be fractured.
If he’s not impacting winning there, it’s hard to envision him doing the same under head coach Erik Spoelstra. Though it wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Heat to take a flyer, provided the Warriors throw in at least one first-round pick or future pick swap.
The latter should be a non-negotiable.
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This trade, straight up, would only weaken us. It’s not worth it unless we got Moody and a pick. Hield can stay over there, no thanks. The sad thing is that many of our players are unmovable so they are only interested in our third best player in a trade that will hurt us as much as helping even with Moody.
I was surprised to find out Moody is only 6’5”. So, he isn’t viable either. The trade for Kuminga even with a first round pick is just an even trade as Wiggins is a lot better. So, only if we aren’t extending Wiggins do I do that trade and only for their first rounder with Kuminga.
I agree on Kuminga and (2016) pick. Second player on expiring contract is only a filler.
My friend, must be some good stuff in San Diego (historically, that actually was true). You keep referring to a 2016 pick. It is currently 2026.
You, my friend, get a gold star. I was checking to see who was paying attention. Yes we do have some very good stuff out here in Cali. My sativa of choice…erry day.
https://images.dutchie.com/b7a3ddf6c625b2d4aaf2b8c90fa6216e?auto=format%2Ccompress&cs=srgb&fit=fill&fill=solid&fillColor=%23fff&ixlib=react-9.8.1
I know you are a big Wiggins fan and I like him too. But I don’t think it was ever the intention of the team to re-sign him. Kuminga’s history of injuries is absolutely a concern, but, when healthy, he is an explosive athlete and only 23 years old. The issue is whether or not the Heat want to extend him. Another issue is, Wiggins has a player option at the end of this season, meaning he can opt out and sign elsewhere with the Heat getting nothing for him. The Kuminga contract has a team option after this season. If the Heat love him, they can choose to keep him one more year. If not, they would free up the same amount of money for other deals, but would at least have an extra first round pick to utilize. If Wiggins walks, we would free up the money, but have no extra pick.
Kuminga’s contract has a team option for 2026-2027. He would need to prove himself this season to get extended.
The Heat’s other options are:
As long as Miami gets a first round pick (preferably 2026) and an expiring contract in the trade, its a win/win situation for the Heat. After all, Wiggins could opt out and sign directly with the Warriors (or any other team) this summer and the Heat would get nothing in return. At least Miami would still have the pick. Not bad, in essence, two Golden State first rounders (2025 & 2026) as a direct result of last year’s quitter trade.
Once again, brilliant minds……
Kuminga and 2016 first rounder or no dice
Back to the future?
Yup. Wiggins can opt out and sign with Warriors this summer. One way or another, he has to be traded by deadline or extended.
But no 2016 pick without Doc.
In other news, Pacers beat Thunder, and Ja injured again (elbow sprain) – or is he?
he loves the city of memphis hates coach.disgruntled employee wants out like greek.those two will be moved rc.pat needs to get one .think greek wants to go to big apple.ja bought house down here last month.
That’s one of the things I don’t like about Ja, besides being fragile…he’s flakey.
he would def help us id have no problem giving up jjj and dav for him.jjjs gonna get worn out the nbas waiting for him at the rim
Herro and Fontecchio sounds about right.
and Ware too?
Give up one of the 2 or 3 best players on our team for a part time player who doesn’t defend and can’t shoot a 3? I hope they don’t consider that.
Same here. I just threw Ware’s name in there to see if h4l was paying attention. He wasn’t.
Short span, lol. Jk
zions played in only 29% of his games.no thanks to him
What’s Ja 30%? Embiid. George, Leonard, Irving and a bunch of other highly paid “athletes” are great when they are healthy. Problem is they aren’t dependable and can’t make it through a season without getting hurt. Athletes” don’t count for much when they are injured, their teams suck and they are sitting home collecting $40-$50M+…jus sayin.
Can anyone think of a worse Heat contract ever ? Based on his production and what he’s getting paid…I can’t think of any past worse Heat player contract. Ever.
Rozier hands down.
Have concluded…what’s worse than Rozier’s contract? Jovic’s without question.
whats worse than jovics contract? jovic playing
Lol
The guy that thought it was a good idea to give him the extension.
At least Uncan could shoot 3’s…plus he didn’t slap himself on the forehead when he screwed up. Maybe Jokic can convince Denver to trade for him this summer.
h4l’s attitude. lmao. Couldn’t pass that one up.
Meanie. Ha
whats worse than terrys contract?. the guy that agreed to it
Riley agreed to it. Silver approved it. Charlotte execs kept their mouths shut.
It is 13 days to the trade deadline. If something doesn’t happen, there will be a lot of unhappy people here, but I am not suggesting a trade for trade sake. It has to be something that improves the team.
trades are exciting get me some high flyers.entertain me .sports is entertainment after all
With skills and high BBIQs.
Or makes the team worse but provides young players with potential and first rounders. Pick one way or another. Tired of the gaslighting.
Yes, I didn’t mean improve the team in terms of wins, but, rather, personnel and asset wise.