The NBA trade landscape is heating up as the February 5 deadline approaches, and the Golden State Warriors find themselves at the center of intriguing discussions. In a surprising development, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a fresh suitor for disgruntled forward Jonathan Kuminga, potentially unlocking a range of roster-enhancing opportunities for the Bay Area franchise.
According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Mavericks have expressed interest in acquiring Kuminga, the talented 23-year-old forward who has shown flashes of star potential but has struggled for consistent playing time in Golden State’s crowded rotation. However, Kuminga—currently in the midst of a breakout season with averages of 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game—cannot be traded until January 15 due to his recent contract extension. That hasn’t stopped teams from circling, with Dallas joining a list that reportedly includes the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, and Indiana Pacers.
The Mavericks’ inquiry comes at a pivotal time for the Warriors, who are hovering around .500 and seeking ways to bolster their lineup around aging stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Amick’s December 31 report highlighted Dallas’ outreach, noting that while Kuminga’s salary ($22.5 million this season) is a solid building block, any major deal would require additional salary matching. This is where things get complicated for Golden State, as they’ve shown reluctance to part with key veterans.
For instance, speculation has swirled around potential blockbuster pursuits, such as targeting Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis. A league source indicated that matching Davis’ hefty $54.1 million salary would likely necessitate including Draymond Green ($25.8 million) or Andrew Wiggins ($26.3 million) in the package. Yet, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized publicly last week—and confirmed by team sources—the organization has no intention of moving either Green or Wiggins. “We’re committed to our core,” Kerr stated. “These guys have been through it all with us.”
Amick further noted that even a straight swap involving Wiggins for Davis has been floated in hypothetical scenarios, but Golden State has rebuffed such ideas. “While team sources say the Warriors have not entirely closed the door on a Davis deal, it appears unlikely,” Amick wrote. “They’re staunchly against the notion of trading either Draymond Green or Andrew Wiggins, which creates quite a predicament when you’re trying to match salaries for high-level players.”
With a Davis acquisition seeming improbable, the Mavericks’ interest in Kuminga could pivot the Warriors toward more realistic targets within Dallas’ roster. Golden State has been vocal about their need for size and athleticism in the frontcourt, and NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on December 19 during an “NBA on Prime” broadcast that the Warriors are aggressively pursuing big men like Daniel Gafford from the Mavericks, Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, and Robert Williams from the Portland Trail Blazers.
“The Warriors are buyers,” Haynes said. “I was told they are looking for size and athleticism. They are really serious about doing everything they can to get this team back to a championship-contender level.”
Gafford, a 27-year-old rim protector averaging 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, could be an ideal fit for Golden State. His budget-friendly contract extends through the 2028-29 season at just $13.4 million annually, making him an attractive piece in a potential Kuminga-centered deal. Kuminga’s two-year, $46.8 million extension (with a team option for 2026-27) aligns well financially, potentially allowing the Warriors to swing a one-for-one swap or add minimal assets.
Beyond Gafford, other Mavericks players could enter the conversation. P.J. Washington, a versatile forward with shooting range, has been previously linked to Golden State as a target. And in a nostalgic twist, there’s growing buzz about a possible reunion with Klay Thompson, who departed for Dallas in free agency back in 2024. Thompson’s sharpshooting could reignite the Splash Brothers era alongside Curry, though any deal would need to navigate salary caps and Dallas’ willingness to part with their veteran guard.
The Warriors’ front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., faces a delicate balancing act. Kuminga, selected seventh overall in the 2021 draft, has voiced frustration over his role, requesting a trade earlier this season. Moving him could signal a shift toward win-now mode, but it risks depleting future assets. Still, with Curry turning 38 in March and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, Golden State can’t afford to stand pat.
As the January 15 date looms, expect the rumor mill to intensify. The Mavericks’ entry into the Kuminga sweepstakes not only validates his value but also positions the Warriors to make meaningful upgrades—whether it’s landing Gafford for immediate impact or exploring creative multi-team deals. If executed well, this could be the blockbuster move that propels Golden State back into title contention.
Stay tuned as more details emerge in the coming weeks. The NBA trade deadline is always full of surprises, and this Kuminga saga is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines.