🔥 The Price of Potential: Will Jonathan Kuminga Finally Be Traded to the Pacers?
The Golden State Warriors' lackluster $11-10$ start to the $2025-26$ season has once again made young forward Jonathan Kuminga the subject of trade speculation. Fairly or not, Kuminga's development—or perceived stagnation—is often cited as a key issue in the Warriors' quest to maximize Stephen Curry’s twilight years.
Now, a long-dormant rumor has resurfaced, tying the still-just-$23$-year-old Kuminga to a team that has been interested in him for years: the Indiana Pacers.
The 2022 Ghost: Kuminga for Sabonis?
NBA insider Marc Stein revived a fascinating piece of history, reporting that the Warriors seriously discussed acquiring Domantas Sabonis before the 2022 trade deadline (the deal that ultimately sent Sabonis to Sacramento for Tyrese Haliburton).
Sources confirm that the Pacers were "big fans of Jonathan Kuminga" at the time, leading to various frameworks that included Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and the now-departed Buddy Hield.
The Warriors ultimately held onto Kuminga, prioritizing his potential over the established star Sabonis—a decision that looked brilliant after they won the 2022 championship, but now faces renewed scrutiny as the team struggles for consistency.
The New Math: Why the Pacers Still Want Kuminga
Two years later, the conditions are ripe for the Pacers to resume their pursuit of Kuminga, even as his current season has been a mixed bag, averaging $13.5$ points and $6.2$ rebounds but struggling with consistency and a recent injury layoff.
Contract Appeal: Kuminga’s financial structure is highly appealing for a rebuilding team like the Pacers. His contract includes a team option for $2026-27$. This offers an ideal low-risk situation: Indiana can acquire a high-upside player with the chance to evaluate him for $18$ months before committing to a hefty long-term extension.
Filling a Developmental Void: The Pacers are currently enduring a "gap year" focused on gathering assets, especially after the injury to Tyrese Haliburton. The team is built on youth, and Kuminga—an athletic slasher and finisher who has improved his midrange game—fits the profile of a foundational wing. The Pacers’ system under Coach Rick Carlisle could be the stability Kuminga needs to unlock his "loads of promise."
The Asset Match: The Pacers are loaded with tradeable assets, including young players like Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin, whom they might be willing to move to match Kuminga's salary. A recent report suggested that a package of Mathurin and Toppin could be the combination needed to acquire the $6'7"$ forward.
For the Warriors, trading Kuminga would mean admitting the long, frustrating developmental project failed to pay off in time to help Stephen Curry's window. However, the move would bring in more immediate veteran help or assets that better fit the "win-now" timeline.
For Kuminga, it’s a chance for a fresh start on a team that has valued his potential since 2022. The trade that never happened two years ago might be the move that defines the future for both Kuminga and the Indiana Pacers.
Related article: NBA Trade Rumors: Memphis star will soon be traded?
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