In a move that could shake the foundations of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly gearing up for a blockbuster trade that would bring back a familiar face to the Bay Area. Sources indicate that the Warriors are intent on trading young forward Jonathan Kuminga, whose relationship with the team has soured, in exchange for none other than Klay Thompson – the four-time NBA champion and Splash Brother who departed for the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. This potential reunion with Stephen Curry would not only reignite one of the most iconic duos in league history but also signal a bold pivot for a franchise looking to maximize its championship window in the twilight of Curry’s prime.
The whispers started intensifying in late December 2025, when NBA insider Sam Amick reported that things had “gone south” between Kuminga and the Warriors, with the team planning to move him as soon as he becomes trade-eligible on January 15, 2026. Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of star potential with his athleticism and scoring ability, averaging over 16 points per game in recent seasons. However, inconsistent playing time and reported frustrations with head coach Steve Kerr have led to a impasse, making him a prime trade chip.
Enter the Dallas Mavericks, who have emerged as a key suitor in this saga. League sources confirm Dallas’s interest in Kuminga, viewing him as a dynamic forward who could complement Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in their pursuit of another title. In return, the Warriors could pry away Thompson, whose fit in Dallas has been solid but not transformative. At 35 years old (turning 36 in February 2026), Thompson remains a lethal shooter, averaging around 15 points per game this season while providing veteran leadership and spacing on the floor.
Trade proposals have been floating around, ranging from straightforward swaps to more complex multi-team deals. One intriguing framework from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus outlines an eight-team blockbuster that would send Kuminga to Dallas, reunite Thompson with Golden State, and involve additional pieces to balance salaries and assets. Another three-team idea circulating in NBA circles aims to maximize value for all parties, potentially including draft picks or role players to sweeten the pot. While details remain fluid, the consensus is that any deal involving Kuminga would require the Warriors to part with additional assets – but bringing back Thompson could be worth the price.
For Warriors fans, this trade represents more than just roster tinkering; it’s a nostalgic homecoming. Thompson, alongside Curry and Draymond Green, formed the core of Golden State’s dynasty, winning championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. His departure to Dallas on a three-year, $50 million deal was bittersweet, driven by contract disputes and a desire for a fresh start. But with the Warriors hovering around .500 this season and Curry still performing at an All-Star level (averaging 28 points and 6 assists), reuniting the Splash Brothers could inject new life into the team.
Draymond Green, another four-time champion and vocal leader, has reportedly given his blessing to the potential move – hence the “all lights are GREEN” nod in insider circles. Green’s involvement adds another layer, as some reports suggest that blockbuster trades might even include him if the return is substantial enough. However, the focus remains on Thompson’s return as the emotional and strategic centerpiece.
Critics argue that trading Kuminga, a 23-year-old with upside, for a veteran like Thompson smacks of short-term thinking. Kuminga’s value has dipped amid the drama, but his potential as a two-way star is undeniable. Yet, for a Warriors organization that has tasted success and knows the clock is ticking on Curry’s era, the allure of recapturing past glory might outweigh the risks. As one source put it, this could be the “bomb” the Warriors drop to salvage their season and push for one more ring.
As the January 15 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Golden State’s front office. Will they pull the trigger and bring Klay home? If so, the NBA landscape could shift dramatically, proving once again that in the league, dynasties die hard – and sometimes, they come roaring back. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.