5 Undervalued trade targets Blazers could steal at a discount
By Reese Kunz
Discount trade target No. 3: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors and Blazers both face a significant decision point in their franchises. While Stephen Curry is now 35 and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are 33, the Warriors have a young prospect in Kuminga who is 20 years old and still developing.
Like the Blazers with Lillard and their young players such as Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, the Warriors must decide in which direction to take their franchise. Although Golden State was able to extend its timeline while winning a championship last season, the recent second-round playoff loss to the Lakers suggests that it may be time for the team to choose a definitive route.
Additionally, the departure of long-time general manager Bob Myers may lead to further organizational changes.
These factors could result in Kuminga being a relatively inexpensive option for the Blazers compared to his actual value as both a prospect and player.
Potential Blazers trade package for Kuminga
ESPN’s trade machine projection: Blazers +0 wins
OG Anunoby is 25 and much more equipped to win now than Kuminga for the Warriors. Not only is Anunoby a lockdown defender, he is also a much better fit in Golden State’s offensive system as a 3-point shooter capable of cutting and coming off multiple screens.
The Raptors have been searching for an answer at center, recently trading a 2024 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Jakob Poeltl. However, Poeltl’s contract expires this summer, and the Raptors could be interested in Nurkic as a replacement.
In addition, Toronto would be compensated with multiple first-round draft picks, allowing them to retool around Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam (or the younger assets they get for him in a separate trade).
How Kuminga would fit with Blazers
Portland isn’t projected to win more games as a result of this trade. However, adding Kuminga to the roster would set the team up for a promising future. Sharpe and Kuminga would make a formidable and highly athletic duo of up-and-coming players.
Kuminga’s skillset would make him a more suitable player to add to the Blazers’ core than Nurkic and could address their long-term need for a forward alongside Grant.
Kuminga is underrated as a floor spacer, as he shot 37.0 percent from three this past season. But, his primary skill set would be defending with his 6-foot-8 frame and versatile agility. The Blazers have been missing that two-way wing, and Kuminga has much more offensive upside than Matisse Thybulle.
This trade would not necessarily mean Portland has to choose between rebuilding or going all in. Even with Kuminga on board, they could still decide to trade the No. 3 pick for a more established veteran star in a separate deal.