Jonathan Kuminga On The Trade Block For Warriors

Merlin sees Jonathan Kuminga at the center of new trade talk after a recent benching by Steve Kerr. NBA insider Jake Fischer quoted execs saying "I polled various executives on the subject and none of them indicated that Kuminga's play over the next few weeks would change their current evaluation of him as an NBA player." Golden State gave him a two year $48.5 million deal with a club option, yet Marc Stein says the team is "increasingly expected" to move him once he is trade eligible on Jan. 15. The Bulls, Pelicans and Kings have shown interest while Kuminga has struggled this month, averaging 5.8 points on 24.3 percent shooting. Merlin predicts a market driven by potential more than recent box score. The Warriors are willing to trade if the price fits and they covet wings like Trey Murphy III. For teams like New Orleans, Kuminga is a high upside gamble. He must deliver soon to avoid being dealt for minimal return.