While Paul George was patiently making his decision to opt in to his player option with the LA Clippers, executive Lawrence Frank and the rest of the front office discussed potential trade packages centered around the two-way superstar. Several teams were rumored to be interested, but one of the main franchises that was seriously contemplating the blockbuster deal was the Golden State Warriors.
Furthermore, the heavy interest was mutual, as the Clippers were fond of receiving young talents and picks for an aging superstar. This would help LA regain some of the balance lost from their deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
For the Warriors, the main piece they would have to give away was Jonathan Kuminga. He was 21, rising from a 16-point-per-game season, shooting over 50% from the field.
The Warriors hesitated and eventually pulled themselves from the conversation because nothing but success seemed to be written in Kuminga's future. This ultimately stopped the idea of George teaming up with Stephen Curry, which would have been a sight for the Bay Area.
Moreover, Kuminga's party and the Warriors' front office never agreed to an extension that would follow up on his rookie contract. He has been grinding for a payday, but became a DNP in multiple games of their seven-game series against the Houston Rockets.
Though he dominated the second round in five losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Warriors sources hinted at a possible sign-and-trade for the former NBA Champion this summer.
The Clippers have all the right pieces to finally trade for Jonathan Kuminga
When fans found out Jonathan Kuminga could be traded to the LA Clippers, most were excited, jumping out of their chairs, as he has franchise-star potential. However, when the Golden State Warriors took a major step back, the joy from Clipper Nation was also extracted.
Nonetheless, Anthony Slater, a source for the Warriors, spoke in his recent piece about a potential sign-and-trade that involves Kuminga. This should exhilarate the Clippers' front office, as they will likely have Norman Powell on the market.
Draft capital may be included, but the Clippers will not have to ship as much as they would have when Paul George was the hot topic. This is the direct effect of a drop in stock value from Kuminga's fourth season.
That said, if and when Kuminga officially becomes a restricted free agent, the Clippers must call dibs on the athletic wing and propose a reasonable trade Golden State cannot turn down.