SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 05, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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It took until the last second, but the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga ended their cold war, reaching an agreement on a new deal shortly before the regular season got underway. Still, it has been par for a turbulent course between the two sides.
The former seventh overall pick missed seven games due to injury and a suspiciously slow return to activity. In Kuminga’s last four appearances before his absence, his playing time was diminishing.
Still, the six-foot-seven wing has started in 12 of the 14 tilts he has participated in. He is averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 27.1 minutes. Now in his fifth year in the Association, he continues to look like a questionable fit in Steve Kerr’s system. Simultaneously, he showcases his talent, athleticism, and upside when he’s on the floor.
That is why teams will overlook what is happening with Kuminga in the Bay Area, putting more stock in the 23-year-old’s age and potential. One franchise that might apply to is the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, “Both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are players the Warriors have great interest in, and they are the type of versatile wings the Dubs would want in a deal involving Kuminga.”
Should the Pelicans strike a deal with the Warriors?
It’s easy to see why Golden State would love to pivot from the tumultuous Kuminga tenure to slotting a player of Trey Murphy III’s caliber alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. That’s especially true given the team’s need to surround Curry with more shooting.
However, for as much potential as Kuminga has, it is hard to believe that New Orleans would agree to a straight swap. If the Pelicans part with Murphy, it may be for a package of first-round draft picks, rather than a specific target or accepting less draft capital because of an individual they’re acquiring.
If New Orleans believes in Kuminga’s ability to blossom into an All-Star within the organization’s infrastructure, perhaps the Pelicans would part with Herb Jones to finalize a deal. However, the latter is an All-Defensive team talent and under contract for three more years, with a player option for the 2029-2030 campaign.
So, while the Warriors can attach draft capital to Kuminga to try to facilitate a deal for either player, it seems more likely that these two sides won’t find common ground on a trade that sends him to “The Big Easy.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbykrivitsk/2025/11/30/warriors-reportedly-showing-interest-in-a-kuminga-trade-with-pelicans/
