The NBA offseason is heating up with trade rumors swirling, and one potential blockbuster deal could send shockwaves through the league. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Golden State Warriors are poised to make a bold move, potentially parting ways with rising star Jonathan Kuminga in a trade that would see them acquire Lonzo Ball, a former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick labeled as one of the franchise’s biggest disappointments, along with additional assets.
The Trade Proposal
In a proposed three-team trade, the Warriors would send Kuminga to the Chicago Bulls, while receiving Lonzo Ball, Jalen Smith, Josh Okogie, and a haul of five future draft picks. The Charlotte Hornets would also be involved, acquiring Moses Moody and Jevon Carter. This deal, which cannot be finalized until July 6, 2025, could reshape the rosters of all three teams and has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts alike.
Pincus suggests that the Warriors may opt for a sign-and-trade with Kuminga, whose qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season is set at $8 million. A sign-and-trade would allow Golden State to secure a higher salary for Kuminga—potentially above $30 million—while only accounting for $15 million in outgoing salary for trade purposes. This structure provides the Warriors with flexibility to acquire significant assets in return, while giving Kuminga the lucrative contract he reportedly seeks.
Why Move Kuminga?
Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance with the Warriors. His standout performance in the 2025 playoffs, averaging 20.8 points per game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, highlighted his potential as a dynamic scorer and versatile forward. However, the Warriors’ reluctance to offer him a long-term, high-value contract has fueled speculation that they may not view him as a cornerstone of their future.
Pincus notes that keeping Kuminga on his $8 million qualifying offer would limit Golden State’s ability to trade him, as any acquiring team would not retain his Bird rights after the deal. A sign-and-trade, however, provides closure for both parties, ensuring Kuminga lands with a team willing to invest in his potential while allowing the Warriors to maximize their return.
Lonzo Ball: A Risky but Intriguing Fit
At the heart of the proposed trade is Lonzo Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Once heralded as a potential franchise cornerstone, Ball’s tenure with the Lakers was marred by injuries and inconsistent offensive production, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot below 35% during his time in Los Angeles. These struggles, coupled with his inability to stay healthy, led ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett to label him one of the worst draft mistakes in Lakers history.
Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as part of the blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, alongside Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and draft capital. While his three-point shooting has shown improvement since leaving the Lakers—connecting on at least 35% of his triples in three seasons—his health remains a significant concern. From 2019 to 2025, Ball has appeared in only 188 regular-season games due to various injuries, raising questions about his durability.
Despite these red flags, Ball’s skill set could be a perfect fit for the Warriors. At 6-foot-6, he brings size, defensive discipline, and elite playmaking to the guard position. His ability to move the ball, play lockdown defense, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes aligns seamlessly with Golden State’s fast-paced, motion-based offense. If Ball can stay healthy, he could complement stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, providing the Warriors with a versatile backcourt presence.
The Warriors’ Haul
In addition to Ball, the Warriors would receive Jalen Smith, a versatile big man, Josh Okogie, a defensive-minded wing, and five future draft picks. This significant return would bolster Golden State’s depth and provide valuable assets for future trades or roster building. The inclusion of draft capital is particularly appealing for a Warriors team looking to balance immediate contention with long-term flexibility.
For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Kuminga would provide a young, high-upside forward to build around, potentially signaling a shift toward a youth movement. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets’ involvement would see them add Moody, a promising young wing, and Carter, a veteran guard, to their roster.
The Bigger Picture
This proposed trade represents a high-stakes gamble for all parties involved. For the Warriors, trading Kuminga—a player with star potential—for a package centered around a frequently injured Ball is a risky proposition. However, Ball’s fit within their system and the addition of draft picks could outweigh the uncertainty. For the Bulls, Kuminga offers a chance to acquire a cornerstone player, while the Hornets gain depth and youth.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Golden State and whether they pull the trigger on this blockbuster deal. If Pincus’ prediction comes to fruition, the trade could reshape the Western Conference and send ripples across the league, proving once again that in the NBA, no rumor is too wild to become reality.