The Golden State Warriors are actively exploring a trade involving Jonathan Kuminga, who appears eager to leave the team. This potential Jonathan Kuminga Warriors Bucks trade is complicated by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which limits the Warriors’ ability to propose attractive offers to other teams like the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite being one of the league’s top teams after acquiring Jimmy Butler, the Warriors prefer a strategic adjustment rather than a drastic overhaul. Their main focus is to add a floor-spacing big man, a role that has drawn interest in Celtics center Al Horford. However, reports suggest a strong preference for Milwaukee Bucks’ forward Bobby Portis in a sign-and-trade deal involving Kuminga.
Golden State’s Pursuit of Bobby Portis in Exchange for Jonathan Kuminga
Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints revealed that the Warriors have long admired Bobby Portis, and they have made it clear to Milwaukee that they want Portis as part of any sign-and-trade agreement for Jonathan Kuminga. However, the Bucks have shown hesitation toward this arrangement.
It is also worth mentioning that the Milwaukee Bucks were another team that kicked around the idea of pursuing Kuminga,
—Brett Siegel, Sports Journalist
If they were to do so, the Warriors made it known they would want Bobby Portis in a sign-and-trade scenario, which is something Milwaukee wasn’t willing to do.
—Brett Siegel, Sports Journalist
Siegel also noted that the Warriors’ interest in Portis extends back before the 2024 NBA trade deadline, making him a long-term target for Golden State’s front office.
Why Bobby Portis Could Be an Ideal Fit for the Warriors
In the 2023-24 season with the Bucks, Bobby Portis averaged 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 47% from the field, 37% from three-point range, and 84% from the free-throw line. As a left-handed forward with the ability to stretch the floor and play alongside Draymond Green, he fits the Warriors’ ideal player profile perfectly.
Portis’s role on the Warriors could mirror the way Al Horford has been utilized, combining defensive versatility with efficient shooting. This opportunity would likely elevate Portis’s career, providing him a chance to be a regular starter on a championship-contending team, which has rarely been the case during his tenure with Milwaukee where he has started only 11 games in two seasons.
However, this vision hinges on Milwaukee’s willingness to accept a sign-and-trade deal that centers around Portis, and so far, the Bucks have resisted such negotiations, limiting the immediate feasibility of the trade.
Next Steps and Potential Impact on the Warriors’ Roster
The Warriors find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the desire to maintain a competitive roster while accommodating Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demands. Adding a player like Bobby Portis could provide the floor spacing and frontcourt depth Golden State seeks for their championship aspirations.
If Milwaukee remains unwilling to engage in a sign-and-trade involving Portis, Golden State may need to revisit other options, including the potentially available Al Horford, although the team still considers such moves with caution given the impact on their current lineup.
Ultimately, the outcome of these trade talks will significantly influence the Warriors‘ frontcourt and could shape the trajectory of both Kuminga’s career and Golden State’s pursuit of sustained success in the NBA.