The Golden State Warriors were involved in nearly every possibility at the trade deadline back in February. That included their own players appearing in trade rumors and the team exploring potential acquisitions. To no surprise, Jonathan Kuminga reportedly demanded a trade once he became eligible to be moved by the Warriors.
“On the first day he became eligible to be moved, fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors, league sources told ESPN. Kuminga could not be traded until Thursday, according to the terms of the contract he signed this summer,” Shams Charania of ESPN wrote.
One of the more surprising names mentioned in rumors was Draymond Green, who has spent his entire career in Golden State. However, if moving him helped the team acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, it may have been a move the organization was willing to consider.
“The Golden State Warriors have involved Draymond Green in active trade conversations in advance of Thursday’s deadline, league sources told ESPN, putting his 14-season run with the franchise in jeopardy. General manager Mike Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob have maintained a motivation to get a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo across the finish line and, as part of that, Green’s name has been involved in the framework of available offers to the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources said,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
The Warriors were also reportedly pursuing another star before the deadline: Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
“The Warriors attempted to trade for Kawhi Leonard before the deadline last month, per Anthony Slater. With Leonard’s future in Los Angeles uncertain after this season, Golden State looms as a potential destination this summer,” NBA insider Evan Sidery wrote.
Adding Leonard would have been a major move for Golden State, as it would have given Stephen Curry another superstar teammate. One of the key pieces in a potential deal likely would have been Kuminga as a trade asset.
Even though the Warriors did not land Leonard at the deadline, his name will be worth watching this summer. Golden State may have simply checked in, or the Clippers could be seriously considering major changes to their roster.