This summer’s blockbuster trade might not be about a superstar coming to Golden State, but about the Warriors shrewdly leveraging the Ja Morant earthquake to retool their roster. According to reliable insider Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are open to listening to offers for their star point guard. In that scenario, the Warriors—with valuable young assets like Jonathan Kuminga—could become the decisive “third team,” turning a superstar deal into the perfect opportunity to salvage the present while building for the future.
Dec 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) gestures during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
1. The Unique Position: The Kuminga Key and the Art of the “Stealth Benefit”
The essence of a multi-team trade lies in this: the team acquiring the superstar (Morant) might not have the piece Memphis truly desires. This is where the Warriors pounce. If the Grizzlies have interest in Jonathan Kuminga—a young, high-potential piece whose timeline doesn’t perfectly align with Golden State’s win-now urgency—the Warriors could send him to Memphis. In return, they would receive a player (or players) from the third team chasing Morant, someone better suited to their immediate championship goals.
2. The “Dream” Scenario: Minnesota Timberwolves Enter the Fray
One of the most intriguing visions is if the Minnesota Timberwolves decide to pair Morant with Anthony Edwards. In this scenario, the Warriors could target:
Naz Reid: The talented big man on a long-term contract. Reid’s versatility, floor-spacing, and interior scoring would be a perfect antidote to the Warriors’ size and physicality issues, taking pressure off Stephen Curry night after night.
Donte DiVincenzo: A sentimental reunion. “Big Ragu” thrived in the Warriors’ system before, and bringing him back would add depth, savvy, and tough perimeter defense to the guard rotation.
3. Other Potential Partners and Alternative Solutions
Sacramento Kings: If the Kings join the Morant sweepstakes, the Warriors could try to scoop up Malik Monk—an explosive scoring guard off the bench—or defensive-minded guard Keon Ellis.
Miami Heat: While a long shot, if Tyler Herro is made available in the deal and Memphis passes, the Warriors would certainly pounce to acquire the skilled shot-maker.
The Warriors are facing a rare tactical chess match. They don’t need to empty the war chest for a superstar like Ja Morant. Instead, they can play the role of the smart “facilitator,” using their young assets to steer the flow of the trade and net more fitting pieces. Everything hinges on whether Memphis truly wants Kuminga and whether a third team is willing to gamble its future for Morant. One thing is certain: GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors’ front office must keep their phones charged. This summer could completely reshape Golden State’s future, and they have a chance to do it without being the ones causing the initial shockwave.