The Golden State Warriors have finally locked in a contract extension with Jonathan Kuminga, putting an end to the summer’s most pressing saga. The 23-year-old forward signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal, averaging $24 million annually. However, the announcement, first reported by Shams Charania, carries an intriguing twist: the contract’s structure leaves the door wide open for a potential trade. With tensions reportedly strained after months of negotiations, the Warriors could be eyeing a blockbuster move to boost their championship aspirations. And one name is sparking serious buzz in the Bay Area: Portland Trail Blazers’ sharpshooter Deni Avdija.
Peter O’Keefe of BlueManHoop.com recently made a compelling case for Golden State to pursue Avdija, a 6’9” forward who could seamlessly slot into the Warriors’ system. “The 24-year-old represents a lot of what works in the Golden State system — good size and a high IQ with the ability to be a multi-faceted ball-handler and playmaker,” O’Keefe wrote. Avdija’s skillset, combined with his team-friendly four-year, $55 million contract (averaging just $13.75 million annually), makes him an enticing target for a Warriors team looking to maximize their championship window with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.
Avdija’s numbers from last season with Portland speak for themselves. In his fifth NBA year, he posted a career-high 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game as a consistent starter. But it’s his late-season surge that has Warriors fans buzzing. Over his final 30 games, Avdija averaged an eye-popping 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, shooting 49.1% from the field and an impressive 39.4% from three-point range. While not a pure sniper like Curry, Avdija’s improved shooting demands respect from beyond the arc, making him a versatile weapon in Golden State’s fast-paced, pass-heavy offense.
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Kuminga’s new deal, while a win for the Warriors in securing their young star, also serves as a perfect trade chip. His $24 million annual salary aligns well with NBA trade rules, making him an attractive asset for teams like Portland, who might be open to shaking things up if their season falters. Avdija’s $13.75 million annual salary, by contrast, is a steal for a player of his caliber, especially when compared to other contracts around the league. This financial flexibility could allow Golden State to pair Avdija with their core without breaking the bank, all while staying competitive in the loaded Western Conference.
Avdija’s fit with the Warriors is almost too perfect. His high basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and improving three-point shot complement Curry’s off-ball wizardry, Butler’s tenacity, Green’s defensive versatility, and Horford’s veteran presence. While not an elite defender, Avdija’s size and versatility bring a similar vibe to Houston’s Alperen Sengun, but at a fraction of the cost. His ability to handle the ball, facilitate, and knock down open shots would give Golden State another dimension, especially in playoff matchups.
The Warriors didn’t just stop at Kuminga’s extension. This summer, they added a slew of high-impact veterans, including Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, and Gary Payton II. The chemistry is already brewing, with Curry and Horford trading compliments and Green and Butler praising the front office for their bold moves. After a disappointing end to last season, Golden State is reloaded and ready for a fifth title run since 2015.
Analysts are taking notice. “The Warriors might have the single most surprising projection for any team, nearly four wins clear of the non-Oklahoma City field,” O’Keefe noted. While they still trail the Thunder and Nuggets in the West’s title race, the Warriors’ revamped roster has them in a stronger position than they’ve been in years.
Despite the optimism, Kuminga’s future remains a question mark. His relationship with the organization has reportedly frayed, and while he’s expressed commitment to the team for now, a slow start to the 2025-26 season could put him back in the trade rumor mill. If the Warriors sense an opportunity to upgrade, Avdija could be the perfect target—especially if Portland struggles early and looks to pivot.
The Bay Area is buzzing with the possibility of this trade. Swapping Kuminga for Avdija could be the spark Golden State needs to reclaim their spot atop the NBA. With Curry still defying age, Butler bringing his playoff grit, and Green anchoring the defense, adding a versatile, cost-controlled sharpshooter like Avdija could make this Warriors team downright unstoppable. Stay tuned—this trade talk is just getting started.