In a move that could reshape the Golden State Warriors’ rotation and send shockwaves through the NBA trade rumor mill, reports are swirling that the franchise is deep in discussions with the struggling New Orleans Pelicans to land elite three-and-D wing Herb Jones. The 27-year-old defensive phenom, fresh off a First-Team All-Defensive nod last season, is being eyed as the perfect plug-and-play replacement for Jonathan Kuminga, whose recent benching has fueled speculation of an impending exit from the Bay Area.
Sources close to the situation tell Warriors Wire that initial talks have centered on a straight swap involving the 22-year-old Kuminga, whose future in Golden State has grown murkier by the day. With the Warriors sitting at 8-5 and desperately needing defensive reinforcements to complement Stephen Curry’s offensive wizardry, Jones—nicknamed the “3-and-D Machine” for his suffocating perimeter defense and scorching-hot shooting—represents the ideal target. His career-high 43.8% clip from beyond the arc this season has scouts salivating, even if his lifetime 37.0% mark suggests a slight regression is possible.
This isn’t just idle chatter. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr doubled down on his commitment to starting Moses Moody and the newly acquired Will Richard on Thursday, effectively sidelining Kuminga for the foreseeable future. “We’re building around what works right now,” Kerr said post-practice, his tone leaving little room for interpretation. But whispers of discontent have been building, amplified by Draymond Green’s cryptic Tuesday rant about “hidden agendas” derailing team chemistry. While Green didn’t name names, insiders point to Kuminga as a prime suspect, with the forward’s visible frustration on the bench—coupled with his inconsistent play (12.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG on 48.1% FG)—pushing the front office toward action.
Enter Tim Kawakami, the SF Standard’s venerable Warriors beat writer, whose Thursday deep-dive into potential deals laid bare the franchise’s dilemma. “Jones’ length and premium defense would sure look good in the Warriors’ rotation,” Kawakami wrote. “But he has weaknesses. Basically, Jones is the lesser version of the perfect trade candidate for Kuminga. I think this is about the realistic line for what the Warriors could get for Kuminga in January. Is Jones enough? He’s probably right on the borderline.”
Kawakami’s assessment hits the nail on the head. At 6’7″ with a 7-foot wingspan, Jones is a nightmare matchup for opposing wings, capable of switching everything from point guards to bigs while holding foes to a league-low 42.1% shooting when he’s the primary defender. His 2023-24 All-Defensive honors weren’t a fluke—he ranked in the 95th percentile for steals and blocks per 36 minutes last year. Offensively, he’s no ball-dominant star (career 10.1 PPG), but his decision-making shines through in a pristine 620 assists to 333 turnovers ratio. And that three-point stroke? In a Warriors system that thrives on spacing, Jones could feast as a spot-up assassin alongside Curry and the splashy newcomers.
The Pelicans, mired in a dismal 2-9 start, appear primed to hit the reset button. With Zion Williamson’s injury history looming large and recent additions like Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole failing to gel, New Orleans GM Joe Dumars might be open to offloading veterans for youth and picks. Jones, locked in through 2029-30 on a team-friendly deal (averaging $13.2M annually), carries appeal for contenders but could be expendable if the Pels prioritize a full rebuild around prospects like Jeremiah Fears, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen.
Of course, the Pelicans aren’t without leverage. They could sweeten the pot by dangling Trey Murphy III, a 25-year-old sharpshooter who’s even more offensively dynamic (15.2 PPG, 38.5% 3PT career). “I don’t know what Joe Dumars is doing in New Orleans, so maybe he’d dump Murphy to get Kuminga,” Kawakami mused. “The Warriors would do that in a split second and probably add things to the offer. I doubt Dumars would do it.” Murphy’s youth aligns better with New Orleans’ timeline, but Jones’ proven pedigree makes him the more immediate trade chip.
Crafting the Deal: A Realistic Path Forward
Trade negotiations are a high-wire act, especially for a win-now Warriors squad that’s loath to part with draft capital. But with Kuminga’s value potentially peaking now—before another underwhelming stretch tanks his stock—Golden State might have to pony up. Here’s a plausible framework that’s been floated in league circles, building on earlier proposals:
| Team | Receives | Key Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Warriors | Herb Jones Kevon Looney | Jones slots in as a Day 1 starter, bolstering the wing defense that’s plagued Golden State all season. Looney, a fan favorite and salary filler ($8M expiring), returns home to anchor the frontcourt behind Trayce Jackson-Davis and provide veteran stability when Al Horford rests. This duo instantly elevates the Warriors’ switchability and rim protection. |
| Pelicans | Jonathan Kuminga Lottery-protected 2026 1st-round pick | Kuminga brings athletic upside and scoring punch (potential 20+ PPG ceiling) to a young core needing star power. The pick—top-10 protected, say—serves as insurance if he busts in New Orleans. No second assets needed; it’s a straight talent-for-talent swap with a sweetener. |
The salaries align neatly (Jones at $13.2M vs. Kuminga’s $7.6M, with Looney bridging the gap), and the protected pick mitigates risk for the Dubs. If the Pels dig their heels in, Golden State could swap protections or add a second-rounder, but sources say Mike Dunleavy Jr. views this as the “borderline” offer Kawakami referenced—enough to get it done without gutting the future.
For the Warriors, it’s a no-brainer. Imagine a starting five of Curry, Brandin Podziemski (or Buddy Hield), Jones, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green: elite spacing (Jones’ 43.8% 3PT), suffocating switches, and enough playmaking to keep the offense humming at 115+ points per game. Bench units get a boost too, with Looney mentoring Jackson-Davis and Moody thriving in a defined role. This isn’t just a trade—it’s a defensive renaissance that could propel Golden State back to contender status, silencing critics who’ve questioned their post-Durant sustainability.
The Bigger Picture: Kuminga’s Next Chapter and Warriors’ Bold Bet
Jonathan Kuminga arrived in the Bay as the 7th overall pick in 2021, a raw athlete with All-Star whispers. But three seasons in, his development has stalled amid rotation battles and off-court murmurs. A fresh start in New Orleans—pairing his explosiveness with Williamson’s gravity—could unlock his potential, but it’s clear the Warriors see Jones as the surer bet for their championship window.
As the deadline looms (February 6, 2026), expect these talks to heat up. The Pelicans’ desperation could yield a steal, but Dunleavy won’t lowball. For now, the Warriors faithful are buzzing: Is this the shocking pivot that reignites the dynasty? Or a risky overpay for a “lesser version” of perfection? One thing’s certain—Herb Jones in blue and gold would be a game-changer.
Stay tuned to Warriors Wire for updates as this blockbuster unfolds. What do you think—pull the trigger, or hold out for Murphy? Sound off in the comments.