3 players Golden State Warriors should target with Jonathan Kuminga’s contract before 2026 trade deadline

The Golden State Warriors are expected to keep Jonathan Kuminga this offseason, although it’s unclear if he’ll sign the qualifying offer or a two-year contract. Kuminga has garnered interest from a couple of teams, but they don’t have the cap space to sign him away from Golden State.

According to ESPN, Kuminga won’t accept the Warriors’ two-year, $45 million offer. It has a team option, and Golden State wants him to waive his implicit no-trade clause. The young forward’s camp is willing to accept the $8 million qualifying offer, which stands until Oct. 1.

It’s risky for Kuminga to play on a qualifying offer next season, but it also allows him to possibly earn more in unrestricted free agency in 2026. The Warriors are reportedly looking to bring back “J.K.” on a shorter deal and revisit a possible trade at next year’s February deadline.

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Let's look at three players the Golden State Warriors should target at the 2026 trade deadline in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga.

3 players Golden State Warriors should target at the 2026 trade deadline

#1. Brandon Clarke | Forward/Center | Memphis Grizzlies

The Golden State Warriors acknowledged the need for a big man this offseason, but they didn't do anything about it. Kevon Looney signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, and now the Warriors are stuck with Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Another option for next season is Memphis Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke, who is athletic enough to be in the dunker's spot on offense. His defense is not bad and could be great as a help defender. His availability likely depends on where the Grizzlies are in the standings by the trade deadline.

#2. Onyeka Okongwu | Forward/Center | Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks assigned a new general manager in Onsi Saleh, who hasn't offered an extension to star guard Trae Young. If Saleh likes to rebuild, they could start from the ground up and trade everyone except Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher.

Onyeka Okongwu seemingly earned the starting spot for next season, with Clint Capela gone. However, Kristaps Porzingis was acquired from the Boston Celtics and Risacher has more ceiling than him. If the Golden State Warriors want a versatile big man, they might want to look at Okongwu's availability next February.

#3. Yves Missi | Center | New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Derik Queen and signed Kevon Looney in free agency. Yves Missi did a wonderful job as a rookie last season, but the Pelicans' moves indicate they are not entirely sold on the Baylor product.

Missi should fit right in with Golden State as a lob threat, rim runner and even a help defender. He'll be under the guidance of Draymond Green, so it'll be up to him to listen and improve his game. The Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler is also an option here, but the franchise is looking for a big return for the shot-blocker.

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About the author

Juan Paolo David

Juan Paolo is a journalist for Sportskeeda who covers the NBA and WNBA. He's been writing about basketball since 2015 and has been with Sportskeeda since 2021.

Juan's allegiance lies with the Golden State Warriors and his journey with the Warriors began with their memorable victory over the Lakers in 2000, and he experienced the successes of the 'We Believe' era and the rise of Steph Curry. 

What Juan loves most about basketball is its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from adrenaline-fueled excitement to the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. To ensure complete accuracy in articles, he conducts thorough research before writing his articles.

The Warriors' victories in the 2022 and 2017 championships hold a special place in Juan's memories, as well as iconic moments like Baron Davis' dunk over Andrei Kirilenko and Goran Dragic's performance in the 2010 Western Conference semifinals.

Off the court, Juan enjoys watching football, TV and movies, caring for his numerous cats, and cooking whenever time permits.

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