In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the league, the Golden State Warriors have pulled off a massive five-team blockbuster trade, ruthlessly shipping out young forward Jonathan Kuminga to acquire Milwaukee Bucks’ $108 million center Myles Turner. The deal, first outlined by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, reshapes multiple contenders overnight and signals the Warriors’ desperate push to maximize Stephen Curry’s championship window.
The Warriors, labeling themselves a “fading dynasty” under coach Steve Kerr, have been aggressive on the trade market this December. Reports indicate they’ve held talks with the Nets, Bulls, and Pelicans, but this mega-deal represents their boldest swing yet. Golden State lands Turner — the floor-spacing, rim-protecting big man they’ve coveted for years — along with Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe, instantly upgrading their frontcourt shooting and paint presence.
In return, the Warriors part ways with Jonathan Kuminga, veteran big Al Horford, shooter Buddy Hield, young center Trayce Jackson-Davis, and draft compensation. Kuminga, whose fractured relationship with the franchise and inconsistent play made him expendable, heads to Cleveland as the centerpiece for the Cavaliers.
Full Trade Breakdown:
- Golden State Warriors receive: Myles Turner (from Bucks), Day’Ron Sharpe (from Nets)
- Milwaukee Bucks receive: Darius Garland (from Cavaliers), Jarrett Allen (from Cavaliers), Thomas Bryant (from Cavaliers), Terance Mann (from Nets)
- Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Jonathan Kuminga (from Warriors), Bobby Portis (from Bucks), protected 2027 first-round pick (Warriors), protected 2031 first-round pick (Bucks)
- Indiana Pacers receive: Trayce Jackson-Davis (from Warriors)
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Kyle Kuzma (from Bucks), Cole Anthony (from Bucks), Amir Coffey (from Bucks), Al Horford (from Warriors), Buddy Hield (from Warriors), multiple second-round picks and cash
For the Warriors, this is a ruthless but necessary gamble. Turner, on his four-year, $108.9 million deal signed with Milwaukee this offseason, brings elite three-point shooting (career-high volume last year) and shot-blocking that perfectly complements Draymond Green and Curry’s gravity. Paired with backup Sharpe, Golden State finally addresses their glaring need for a modern starting center — especially as Horford has struggled with injuries and diminished production in his first year with the Dubs.
Kuminga’s departure ends a saga marked by extension drama, benchings, and reported tension with Kerr. While the 23-year-old has upside, his inconsistency and impending contract decisions made him the ideal trade chip. The Warriors avoid paying him long-term while offloading Horford’s declining impact and Hield’s redundancy.
This move elevates Golden State’s ceiling in the loaded West, giving Curry — still one of the league’s best — a legitimate shot at ring No. 5 before time runs out. But it’s high-risk: surrendering youth and picks for a 29-year-old Turner in a deal involving underperforming contenders like Milwaukee and Cleveland.
The entire NBA landscape shifts. Milwaukee pivots to pair Garland with Giannis Antetokounmpo, replacing Turner with Allen’s defense. Cleveland gains flexibility and wing depth with Kuminga and Portis. The Nets load up on veterans and assets for their rebuild.
One thing is clear: the Warriors aren’t going quietly into the night. This blockbuster rekindles their fire — and just changed the playoff picture overnight.