Jonathan Kuminga: Warriors' Top Deadline Trade Chip

A veteran exec privately calls Jonathan Kuminga “one of the best trade chips in the league,” and the Warriors appear to have built that possibility into his two-year, $46.8 million extension. Kuminga, 23, has slipped from starter to bench, hasn’t played in the last four games and isn’t eligible to be moved until Jan. 15 — a timing detail that matters because Golden State is struggling without Stephen Curry and could use a roster shakeup. Merlin sees a classic split: high-upside youth and a contract designed for commerce collide with mounting frustration — “he feels like the scapegoat again.” If Kuminga rediscovers his early form in January his market will explode; if he stays cold, a change of scenery seems better for both sides. Expect teams to circle, valuing his length, shooting upside and cap clarity.