The NBA offseason is heating up with a blockbuster three-team trade proposal involving the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. Each team, coming off disappointing 2024-25 campaigns, is looking to address critical roster needs to reshape their futures. This speculative deal, while not confirmed, offers a fascinating look at how these franchises could align their goals through a complex exchange of talent and assets. Here’s the proposed framework and the rationale behind it:
Proposed Trade Framework
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Moses Moody, Dean Wade
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade, 4-year, $85 million contract), 2027 2nd-round pick (via CLE, from ATL)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jarrett Allen, Georges Niang, 2025 2nd-round pick (via CLE, #59), 2026 2nd-round pick (via CLE), 2029 2nd-round pick (via CLE, from ATL), 2031 2nd-round pick (via ATL)
Why the Hawks Would Do This Deal
The Hawks, who missed the playoffs after a play-in loss, have $40 million in cap space under the luxury tax threshold and a young starting lineup featuring Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. However, their starting five only played 14 minutes together due to injuries and Okongwu’s late promotion, leaving questions about their cohesion. This trade addresses Atlanta’s need for rotational depth, particularly in shooting and defense.
Moses Moody: A 22-year-old wing, Moody shot a career-best 37.4% from three on 4.6 attempts per game, averaging 9.8 points. His 72% shooting at the rim (82nd percentile among wings) shows he’s not just a spot-up shooter. With a 7’0 wingspan, he’s a solid defender who can disrupt passing lanes. Under contract for three more years, Moody provides cost-controlled versatility.
Dean Wade: Wade adds frontcourt depth with his 36% three-point shooting (3.8 attempts per game) and defensive tenacity. His ability to guard on the perimeter and rebound effectively bolsters Atlanta’s second unit. Both players are two-way contributors who fit the Hawks’ need for reliable reserves.
Why the Hawks Might Hesitate: Moody struggled in the 2024-25 playoffs, particularly after Steph Curry’s injury, failing to step up despite playing through a finger injury requiring postseason surgery. Wade’s injury history is also concerning, as he hasn’t played more than 60 games in the last four seasons, potentially limiting his reliability.
Why the Cavaliers Would Do This Deal
Cleveland’s second-round exit against the Indiana Pacers exposed their lack of athleticism and toughness, compounded by their precarious second-apron cap situation. This trade offers a dynamic young talent to address those weaknesses while providing a minor draft asset.
Jonathan Kuminga: At 22, Kuminga is a tantalizing prospect with elite athleticism. In Game 3 against Minnesota, he erupted for 30 points, showcasing his scoring potential against top defenses. His 72% rim finishing (87th percentile among wings) and ability to draw fouls (94th percentile for shots fouled on) make him a third scoring option alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. His defensive potential, while inconsistent, could flourish in Cleveland’s system. The 2027 second-round pick adds minor draft capital.
Why the Cavaliers Might Hesitate: Kuminga’s shooting is a glaring weakness, with a 35% midrange clip and 66.8% free-throw percentage. While playing with Mitchell, Garland, and floor-spacing big Evan Mobley could help, his offensive game remains limited. Defensively, he has the tools but lacks consistency, and losing Jarrett Allen’s rim protection could weaken Cleveland’s interior defense.
Why the Warriors Would Do This Deal
The Warriors’ second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted their need for size, defense, and a third scoring option beyond Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. This trade addresses those needs while adding depth.
Jarrett Allen: A former All-Star center, Allen is a perfect fit for Golden State’s system. Defensively, his rim protection (only 2.1% of team plays resulted in a defensive foul, 97th percentile among bigs) pairs well with Draymond Green, creating a formidable frontcourt. Offensively, he’s a 77% rim finisher (93rd percentile among centers) with a 59% midrange shot (94th percentile), averaging 13.5 points last season. His addition gives the Warriors the size and scoring they lacked against Minnesota’s Julius Randle.
Georges Niang: A high-volume catch-and-shoot option, Niang averaged 12.1 points and shot 41.3% from three on 6.6 attempts per game after joining Atlanta at the deadline. At 6’8, his defensive intelligence compensates for his lack of athleticism, making him a valuable bench piece.
Draft Picks: The Warriors receive four second-round picks (2025, 2026, 2029, 2031), providing future flexibility.
Why the Warriors Might Hesitate: Allen’s postseason struggles are a concern, as he averaged just six rebounds over Games 4 and 5 against the Pacers. His lack of three-point shooting could clog the Warriors’ spacing, especially alongside Green, putting pressure on Curry and Butler. Niang, while a strong shooter, can be a defensive liability in playoff matchups due to his lack of athleticism.
Final Thoughts
This proposed trade is a speculative exercise, not a prediction of what these teams will or should do. For the Hawks, Moody and Wade provide cost-effective depth to complement their young core. For the Cavaliers, Kuminga offers a high-upside wing to address their athleticism deficit. For the Warriors, Allen and Niang bolster their size and shooting, respectively, while adding draft capital. However, each team faces risks, from injury concerns to fit issues, that could complicate the deal. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all three teams will need to weigh these factors carefully to reshape their rosters for contention.