The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads with their young star, Jonathan Kuminga, and the NBA rumor mill is buzzing with speculation about his future. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Warriors are likely to trade Kuminga rather than retain him on his $8 million qualifying offer for the upcoming season. A blockbuster trade could see the Warriors acquire Lonzo Ball, a former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick whose career has been marred by injuries, along with other assets in a move that could reshape the franchise’s roster.
Pincus suggests that keeping Kuminga on a one-year, $8 million qualifying offer would limit the Warriors’ ability to trade him later, as an acquiring team would not control his rights post-deal. Instead, a sign-and-trade scenario offers a cleaner resolution, ensuring Kuminga lands with a team willing to pay him the salary he believes he deserves while providing Golden State with valuable pieces in return.
In Pincus’ proposed three-team trade, the Warriors would send Kuminga to the Chicago Bulls and receive Lonzo Ball, Jalen Smith, Josh Okogie, and five future draft picks. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets would acquire Moses Moody and Jevon Carter. This deal, which cannot be finalized until July 6, would give the Warriors a mix of immediate contributors and future assets, with Ball as the centerpiece.
Lonzo Ball, selected No. 2 overall by the Lakers in 2017, was once heralded as a cornerstone for Los Angeles. However, as ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett recently noted, Ball is considered one of the Lakers’ biggest draft disappointments. Despite his undeniable talent, Ball struggled with injuries and inconsistent three-point shooting during his time with the Lakers, where he shot below 35% from beyond the arc. This led to his inclusion in the 2019 blockbuster trade that sent him, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and draft capital to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis.
Since leaving Los Angeles, Ball has shown improvement in his perimeter shooting, hitting at least 35% of his three-point attempts in three seasons. However, his health remains a significant concern, with only 188 regular-season appearances between 2019 and 2025 due to various injuries. Despite these setbacks, Ball’s defensive prowess and playmaking ability could make him an ideal fit alongside the Warriors’ stars, as Pincus notes. His ability to move the ball, play stout defense, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes could complement Golden State’s system.
Kuminga, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout 20.8 points per game performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. However, if the Warriors remain unconvinced about his long-term fit or are unwilling to meet his salary demands, Pincus’ proposed trade could come to fruition in the coming weeks.
This potential deal would send shockwaves through the NBA, as the Warriors reshape their roster with a mix of proven talent and future potential, while Kuminga gets a fresh start with a team ready to invest in his growth. With Ball’s $20 million contract and injury history, the Warriors would be taking a gamble—but one that could pay dividends if he stays healthy and thrives in their system.