Ranking the Blazers’ top 3 trade targets to help their rebuild
By Reese Kunz
1. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga is one of the Warriors' most significant trade assets. He's only 21 years old and coming off his best season to date, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his third year with Golden State. Kuminga is eligible to sign a $225 million max extension, although it remains to be seen if the Warriors value Kuminga as a max player.
If they don't and Kuminga still asks for a contract in that range, it could make him more available in trade talks. The forward positions are the Blazers' most glaring need for their long-term core, and Kuminga would be a great fit with his age, athleticism, and two-way versatility.
Meanwhile, the Warriors could feel pressure to add pieces around aging future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. They only have a few years left before they start to decline significantly (although Curry might play longer, as shooting will always be at a premium in the NBA. The Warriors could be interested in someone like Grant if they view him as the piece that would help put them above the top in the stacked Western Conference.
Factoring in age, upside, and contracts, Kuminga should have much more trade value than Grant. However, the Blazers and GM Joe Cronin have proven that they are willing to give up draft capital for young assets, as evidenced by the Avdija deal with the Washington Wizards this summer.