Warriors were smart to keep Jonathan Kuminga

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) after scoring a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chase Center. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State made the right call by keeping Jonathan Kuminga

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 2/10/23

Before Thursday's trade deadline, Golden State tried to acquire 25-year-old OG Anunoby, but Toronto's asking price was too much. He would have been the perfect addition for Golden State, filling two glaring holes: defense and depth.

Per C.J. Holmes of the San Franciso Chronicle, Warriors president/GM Bob Myers made a "hard push" for Anunoby, but Toronto coveted Jonathan Kuminga and multiple picks:

The Warriors made a hard push for Raptors forward OG Anunoby at the trade deadline. However, I'm told Masai Ujiri's asking price was too high. Wanted Jonathan Kuminga, others, plus picks.
— C.J. Holmes (@CjHolmes22) February 9, 2023

Myers rightly wouldn't budge on Kuminga, a 6-foot-8 forward.

The 20-year-old forward is already showing signs of turning into an Anunoby-type player, but his ceiling is much higher. Anunoby, a fine two-way player but not a star, has most likely reached his potential.

Golden State should view Kuminga as untouchable unless the return is too good to pass up. This was not one of those situations.

Since returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him a few weeks, Kuminga is averaging 11.2 points, 2.6 boards and 2.1 assists and shooting 55 percent from the field and 48 percent from three.

Kuminga, who often guards an opponent's best ball-hander, averages 19.5 minutes a game compared to Anunoby's 35.8. When Kuminga plays more, his numbers could blow Anunoby's (16.9 ppg/5.5 rpg. 2 assists) out of the water.

After trade talks with Toronto fell through, the Warriors pivoted to re-acquiring Gary Payton II, who will give the Warriors the spark on defense Anunoby would have.

Acquiring Payton II was smart, but keeping Kuminga was brilliant.

More must-reads: