NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Send $45 Million Star to Chicago Bulls in Blockbuster 3-Team Deal | NBA News – Times of India
Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga (Image via Imagn)
The Golden State Warriors’ ongoing situation with Jonathan Kuminga may soon reach its conclusion, as a proposed three-team trade scenario sends him to the Chicago Bulls. The deal would also include the Indiana Pacers, reshaping rosters for all three franchises ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Why the Golden State Warriors Are Ready to Move Jonathan Kuminga
The Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga have struggled to see eye to eye on his role. With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler leading the offense, Kuminga has remained a third option, a role he is no longer willing to accept. Reports indicate he wants a team where he can be the primary scoring option.Mark Morales-Smith captured the situation best: “Things have become problematic between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga.
It would be a shock if they haven’t traded him by the time the NBA season tips off in October.”For the Golden State Warriors, moving him now avoids further tension in the locker room and ensures they receive value before leverage diminishes.
Details of the 3-Team Trade
The mock trade involves the Warriors, Bulls, and Pacers, each addressing specific roster needs.
Jonathan Kuminga in action (Image via Instagram / @jonathan_kuminga)
TeamReceives Warriors F – Obi Toppin, 1st Round Pick Pacers C – Nikola Vucevic, 2nd Round Pick Bulls F – Jonathan Kuminga, G – Moses Moody, F – Jarace Walker
Why the Trade Works for Golden State
The Golden State Warriors would replace Kuminga with Obi Toppin, a versatile forward more comfortable in a supporting role.
While not as talented as Kuminga, Toppin’s fit with the roster could prove smoother. Additionally, the inclusion of a first-round pick strengthens Golden State’s future assets.
Why the Trade Works for the Pacers
Indiana lost Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason and needs a reliable center. Nikola Vucevic, though older, provides immediate production in the paint. Despite Tyrese Haliburton’s injury and Turner’s departure, the Pacers are signaling that they still plan to compete rather than reset.
Why the Trade Works for the Bulls
For Chicago, this deal is about securing a potential star. Jonathan Kuminga has long believed he can develop into a franchise cornerstone, and the Bulls offer a platform for him to take on that role. Shedding Vucevic and giving up some draft capital may be worth the gamble if Kuminga blossoms into the player he expects to become. The additions of Moses Moody and Jarace Walker also strengthen their depth, making Chicago’s roster younger and more dynamic.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Could Regret $108.9 Million Bet on Indiana Pacers Star and How it Affects Title RunThe proposed trade creates a win-now scenario for the Pacers, resolves Golden State’s standoff with Kuminga, and gives the Bulls a potential superstar to build around. While still hypothetical, the move highlights how quickly the NBA landscape can shift when a player seeks a bigger role.