Jonathan Kuminga began his 2025-26 season with new energy, averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in November. However, his offensive production has gradually declined as the season progressed, and he has been out of the roster for almost a month now.
After almost a year of scuffling with head coach Steve Kerr and the franchise, unsurprisingly, Kuminga has demanded a trade deal from the Golden State franchise before the February 5 deadline, as reported by ESPN analyst Shams Charania.
As per reports, the Warriors management is looking to prioritize expiring contracts in return for Kuminga, who will soon be eligible for trade. The Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks have shown interest in Kuminga in an effort to strengthen their frontcourts.
Let’s see what players the Warriors can target in the midseason trade period.
#1. Michael Porter Jr.
One name that has constantly made noise around the Warriors is Michael Porter Jr. He has had a breakout season after the Denver Nuggets moved him for guard Cameron Johnson in the offseason.
Porter Jr. is averaging a career-high 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, even though his performance surge has gone under the radar due to the Brooklyn Nets’ dismal season. The Warriors’ frontoffice is on the lookout for an efficient shooter who can fill the shoes of Klay Thompson and take some load off Stephen Curry.
Porter Jr. is under contract through the 2026-27 season, and even though he will be due $40.8 million next season, he can be an asset to the team’s title contention in his current form.
#2. Keon Ellis
Even though the Warriors have denied Malik Monk’s contract, Keon Ellis will fulfill their condition as he is on an expiring three-year contract with Sacramento. Moreover, he brings an energetic defense, added with decent 3-point shooting. The only catch is that his defensive activeness often overshadows his offense, and he doesn’t get a lot of shots.
Ellis makes 35.7% of his 3-point shots and averages 1.1 steals per game. With the Warriors, he might get plenty of shots, which will help him improve into an all-around baller.
#3. Anthony Davis
Even though the Warriors might have to give up a little more than Jonathan Kuminga to acquire Anthony Davis, the former Laker can bring a lot of flexibility to Golden State. He tends to make his space, and given his struggles with injuries, the Mavs are looking to add anything valuable to their young squad alongside Cooper Flagg.
Even though he is worth the upside of $50 milion, Davis can add length to Steph’s abilities and shooting. Given the Warriors’ earlier interest in the 6-foot-10 forward, the team management can look to target him.
#4. Lauri Markkanen
Given the Utah Jazz’s continued failure to go deep in the playoffs, Lauri Markkanen’s name often pops up in the trade talks. Even though he is under a five-year, $238 million deal with the Jazz, the Warriors’ team management can look to add him to the roster and improve their frontcourt.
Markkanen is leading the franchise in points with 27.9 per game, but a championship is still a far-fetched dream. He might be tempted to join the Warriors and make his dream come true.
#5. Trey Murphy lll
The Warriors’ management has been eyeing Trey Murphy for a while now, as the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly looking to offload his contract. He is on a four-year, $112 million deal with the Pels, which should not be much of an issue for the Warriors.
Murphy is averaging a career-high 22.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. The Pels are in a long-term overhaul mode, and Murphy might have an opportunity to use his offensive and defensive prowess to win a title.
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