In a stunning twist to the NBA trade deadline drama, the Golden State Warriors quietly shopped rising star Jonathan Kuminga in potential deals—including one for former No. 4 overall pick De’Andre Hunter—before shifting their sights to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to league insiders.
NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer dropped the revelation in The Stein Line, shedding light on Golden State’s behind-the-scenes maneuvers. As the Warriors weighed “smaller deals” centered around Kuminga’s contract, Hunter emerged as a target. This even sparked whispers of Kuminga reuniting with ex-Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, now head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Word is that Golden State also looked into Hunter to some degree as it explored its options in smaller deals built around Kuminga’s contract—raising the prospect of Kuminga reuniting with former Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland—but all that was before the Warriors’ Giannis chase became their overwhelming focus at this deadline,” Stein and Fischer revealed.
Kuminga’s Trade Buzz Heats Up Amid Role Uncertainty
Kuminga, the Warriors’ prized young asset, has been at the center of trade speculation since his rocky contract extension negotiations last offseason. His minutes have ebbed and flowed this season, making him a prime candidate for deals as Golden State balances its championship window with future potential.
On the flip side, Hunter’s situation in Cleveland made him an intriguing fit. Drafted fourth overall in 2019, the 28-year-old wing has seen his role diminish with the rise of rookie sensation Jaylon Tyson. While Hunter’s defense remains elite—capable of guarding multiple positions—his offense has sputtered. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, but his three-point shooting has plummeted to a dismal 30.9% this season, down from 40.5% last year after his midseason move from Atlanta to Cleveland.
Hunter’s $24.9 million salary for next season adds another layer, but for the Warriors, he represented a plug-and-play solution: a versatile defender to fill the void left by Andrew Wiggins, who was shipped out in last year’s Jimmy Butler blockbuster.
Giannis’ Availability Derails the Hunter Talks
The Hunter discussions made strategic sense—until the Bucks signaled openness to moving Antetokounmpo, reshaping the entire trade landscape. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Golden State reached out to Milwaukee proactively, even before public reports of Giannis’ availability surfaced.
“League sources told ESPN that the Warriors have contacted the Bucks in the past week and expressed their firm interest in Antetokounmpo and their willingness to put a substantial offer on the table regardless of his calf strain and undetermined return timetable,” Slater noted.
From there, the Warriors went all-in, making everyone except Stephen Curry available in talks. Kuminga, once eyed for modest upgrades like Hunter, now became a key piece in the high-stakes Giannis pursuit.
Injury Adds Drama to Kuminga’s Saga
Complicating matters further is Kuminga’s recent ankle injury—a hyperextended joint with a bone bruise from a game against Dallas. While an MRI showed no major damage, recovery timelines for such issues can be tricky. Coach Steve Kerr called it “day-to-day,” noting Kuminga left a road trip early to rehab.
Despite the setback, Kuminga’s trade value hasn’t dipped. Insider Chris Haynes confirmed his camp’s stance remains unchanged, and with Giannis in play, Kuminga’s name is hotter than ever.
Bucks’ Steep Demands and Warriors’ Dilemma
Milwaukee isn’t rushing a deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. They’re seeking a “blue-chip young talent and/or a surplus of draft picks,” and they’re content to wait until the offseason if needed. For Golden State, this means weighing immediate contention against long-term assets.
Kerr has kept lines open with Kuminga, discussing his role amid the chaos. “He and I have had many conversations about his future, about his current status on the team,” Kerr said. “We talk frequently.”
As the deadline looms, the Warriors’ pivot from Hunter to Giannis underscores their bold ambition. What started as subtle Kuminga trades could end in a franchise-altering blockbuster—or a return to smaller moves if the Greek Freak slips away. One thing’s certain: Golden State’s front office is playing for keeps, with Kuminga at the epicenter of it all.