The Washington Wizards rumors will not cease. The team will be active as the league approaches the trade deadline. Rumors include a potential “long-shot” deal for Zion Williamson, while others have circulated since December. One name that seems to be consistently linked with Washington is Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, whom the Wizards should be chasing.
Could Wizards Make Another Blockbuster With Golden State?
After their blockbuster acquisition of Trae Young, Washington should look to continue shaping the team ahead of what will be a postseason-worthy roster next season. Trading for Williamson may be a reach, but Kuminga almost seems out the door of Golden State. With that, Washington has many assets the Warriors may be interested in.
Recent Reports
In a recent report, Wizards insider Josh Robbins said that the Wizards were willing to take on big contracts if a team was willing to sweeten the deal.
“The sources said the Wizards remain open to absorbing other teams’ multi-year contracts if potential trade partners attach sweeteners such as future draft picks or intriguing young players. That is the most likely trade-deadline scenario for Washington, league sources said. As one league source said, the Wizards could be a salary “dumping ground for assets.”
With that being said, a potential trade would have to be a good price, as the Wizards don’t plan on trading either of their first-round picks for the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. With the season-ending injury to the Warriors’ star forward Jimmy Butler, it may be tough, but for a good deal, D.C could get the ending dynasty to bite.
Kuminga’s Tenure in Golden State
All the drama in the Golden State recently is linked to one name, being Kuminga. From last season’s reports of him not wanting to go back to demanding a trade before the deadline, the 23-year-old has had his name in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
However, it’s not for nothing. Kuminga is a verified scorer who hasn’t gotten a real chance to produce with the team. He could consistently put up 18+ every night, but finds himself on the end of the bench. Here’s a stat to push this narrative further. Kuminga, while averaging the fourth-most points on the team this season (12.2), has only played once in January, missing 16 straight games with mostly healthy DNPs. A player of his caliber on a championship-aspiring team shouldn’t be out due to a coaching decision.
His fit with the roster isn’t great; that’s evident. However, Steve Kerr simply doesn’t like Kuminga, or Kuminga has done something terribly wrong. However, this same team employs Draymond Green, who has done something horribly wrong just about every season he’s been in the league.
For example, after Stephen Curry suffered an injury in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals last season, Kuminga stepped up hugely. He would lead the team in scoring in games two, three, and four.
However, he wouldn’t get to start a single game, even while averaging 24.3 points over the four-game span. Now this season, the same effect has happened, and it makes sense why he would want to leave.
Over the course of his five years in the league, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on just over 22 minutes per contest.
Kuminga’s Fit In D.C
Kuminga’s exit is just what the doctor ordered in Golden State, and Washington should pressure them into trading him. His value has never been lower, and it’s time for the Wizards to pursue a deal for the potential star. The 2022 NBA champion would be an incredible asset for the Wizards to get. He’s in his fifth year, but still 23-years-old. He brings a ton of experience to a locker room full of young players, and he fits the rebuild timeline perfectly.
Washington is in desperate need of a true power forward, and Kuminga could fill that role. Kyshawn George is next in line for the four slot after Khris Middleton departs, but both players could flip-flop the forward positions. Kuminga would excel in an offense run by Young and George. Kuminga’s scoring ability would open up other options like Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, along with George and Young both.
He’s athletic and can get to the rim at any moment. His shooting is questionable; however, Washington’s development from behind the arc is outstanding. Unlike Williamson, who also fills the position need, Kuminga would allow Sarr to continue his dominance inside.
Washington could build around a lineup with Kuminga, Sarr, Young, George, and Johnson, needing to only fill out the role pieces moving forward. That lineup alone would compete in the Eastern Conference, pushing for the squad’s first postseason since the 2020-21 season. With Young and Kuminga’s experience, the young players could lean on them in the postseason action, giving Young help in series-clinching games.
The Last Word
If a deal were to happen, it would be much closer to the deadline. However, a potential trade may be tricky. Salaries don’t line up well, and either side wouldn’t want to be in a losing situation. With that being said, D.C needs to push for a trade; Kuminga could be a star.
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