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The Golden State Warriors, despite a recent 136-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, are one of the hottest and best teams in the NBA. Steve Kerr has implemented a 12-man rotation, utilizing the Warriors' depth, but there are concerns that such a strategy might not be sustainable. With the Warriors looking to go on a playoff run with Stephen Curry, recent reports suggest that they will make a splash in free agency, adding a high-level player while sacrificing some of their depth.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The Brooklyn Nets, amid a rebuild, have been linked to Warriors' forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is perhaps Golden State's best trade chip. He is in the last season of his rookie deal and will be a restricted free agent in the summer, although the Warriors seem to be interested in re-signing him if possible. Still, he was recently moved to the bench and might want to land a bigger role on a different team, and the Nets could make him a focal point of their young core, which will likely be bolstered in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Should the Nets make an offer for Kuminga, the Warriors could demand that they get Nic Claxton, who recently signed a four-year, $100 million extension. Related: Draymond Green Reveals Surprise Team 'Bullied' Him Claxton, 25, is an excellent rim protector and a solid rebounder who could add some much-needed size in Golden State. The Warriors have held their own this season, but they do not have a player taller than 6-9, so adding a rebounding presence down low will help, especially when they face off against larger teams.
While Kuminga will have to come with added salary in any deal, the Nets could take on a draft pick and Andrew Wiggins to match money, sending their center to Golden State, where he would be poised to thrive. Related: Kerr Highlights Needed Areas For Improvement.
