NBA Trade Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga Heads to Indiana Pacers In Proposed Deal

 

The Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga finally came to terms on a contract last week, with the disgruntled youngster signing  a two-year, $48.5 million deal.  The key to the agreement is that there's a team option designed for the contract to be ripped up and renegotiated next summer. But the Dubs can begin exploring trades when Kuminga becomes eligible on January 15th. And they are fully expected to do so.

And that's where this proposed trade from Dean Simon of The Sporting News comes in. He suggests that Kuminga be sent to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for an exciting backcourt mate for Steph Curry.

Indiana Pacers receive:

• Jonathan Kuminga

Golden State Warriors receive:

• Bennedict Mathurin
• Jarace Walker
• Ben Sheppard

Simon notes that Mathurin is a "more versatile scorer" than Kuminga, and Walker and Sheppard offer the Warriors a free look at two young first-round picks. 

The Warriors enter this season with a potpourri assortment of options at the shooting guard spot next to Curry, including Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Seth Curry (Steph's brother), and Will Richard. Although Podziemski had a very nice second season in the league, none of them offer the dynamic scoring that Mathurin does.

The Pacers' former No. 6 overall pick averaged career-highs of 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds last season. 

For Indiana, Simon says "Kuminga's incredible athleticism and two-way potential might interest the Pacers' front office."

Kuminga, a former 7th overall pick, has never been happy with his usage under Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, and perhaps the Pacers would be able to give him a chance to shine. Last year, in 47 games, he played 24 minutes a night, and averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting just 30.5% from three-point range.

Photo: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images