Why the Warriors shouldn't trade Jonathan Kuminga

After Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr moved Jonathan Kuminga to the bench last week, there was no surprise when trade rumors started sprouting up. 

Multiple reports this summer linked the Warriors to trade rumors for big-name stars like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, with Kuminga being an obvious key piece of the trade packages. Kuminga's inconsistent play and inability to come to terms on a contract extension with the Warriors this offseason make it no surprise why trade rumors are going around. 

That said, the Warriors shouldn't trade their young forward. 

Kuminga's Stats Improving

Kuminga started the season playing like he might regret betting on himself this offseason. Through the first three games, he averaged only 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and was shooting a dismal 1-of-9 from three-point land. Then, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins got injured, making Kuminga's position in the starting lineup even more essential. 

Instead of Kuminga becoming the first unit's offensive focus, Kerr moved him to the bench. The feel-good vibes of the Warriors' first few games were in jeopardy, but the move is paying off. 

Over the next three games, Kuminga averaged 18.6 points off the bench. This included a clutch performance in Houston on Saturday, where he scored six of the Warriors' eight overtime points. 

Kuminga Trade Rumors 

Even at 5-1, with Kuminga's play starting to improve, the forward can't escape trade rumors. The Athletic's Sam Amick and John Hollinger recently reported that NBA executives think the Warriors are "more willing than ever" to put Kuminga in a trade for a star. 

Could rival executives just be saying this to cause trouble in Golden State? It's possible. Realistically, though, the Warriors are likely exploring all options on how to get Curry more support to contend for another NBA championship. That being said, the Warriors should be careful about trading Kuminga. 

Stick With What is Working

Jimmy Butler is one name that has come up in Kuminga trade rumors. However great Butler may be, the Warriors should prioritize the youth and athleticism that has been working for them six games into the season. Organizations like the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets have shown that mortgaging the present for aging stars isn't working in today's NBA. 

The Warriors also have always valued their draft picks more than the league does. Remember how long they hung onto James Wiseman? Kuminga's trade value is likely not nearly as high as the Warriors feel it should be. Getting a superstar is going to cost a lot more than just Kuminga, and on top of that, the forward has shown flashes that indicate he could be on the way to stardom himself. 

A Giannis Antetokounmpo Warriors trade is the exception. As things seem to be falling apart in Milwaukee, Giannis trade rumors are growing as well. Pairing Curry with a superstar like Giannis, who is in the middle of his prime, is worth whatever it costs. 

The Warriors shouldn't hold their breath, though. Not only will the Bucks hold onto Giannis with a vice grip, but a Warriors trade package (even with Kuminga) won't be able to compete with the best offers around the NBA. 

For now, the Warriors should stick with what is working. They are near the top of the Western Conference standings, and Kuminga is playing well. Unless someone like Giannis becomes available, the Warriors should continue to see what Kuminga can become and hope he can help the Warriors in the present and future.