“There are very few players in the league who aren't being discussed in trades. Steph Curry isn't in those discussions. Everyone else is.” This is whatSteve Kerr replied Friday when asked about the possible presence of Jonathan Kuminga in a “package” to recover Lauri Markkanen. We know that the Jazz are sellers, and the Warriors and the Spurs are the two franchises most interested in the former Most Improved Player.
Golden State doesn't want to rush into anything, and the Jazz aren't in a hurry either. True to form, Danny Ainge is willing to wait for the best deal possible, with a full draft pick, and if possible a young talent. According to ESPN, the path leading to Kuminga isn't the most interesting, and we should instead look at Brandin PodziemskiA serious candidate for a starting spot to replace Klay Thompson, the Warriors sophomore could thus unblock the situation.
Kuminga and Podziemski are the same age
“It's a fair guess, but I think Podziemski should be in the deal. Obviously there's going to be a bunch of draft picks. I don't know how much the Jazz would push for Kuminga. I think if Podziemski's not in the deal, there's no deal.” thus considers ESPN's Tim McMahon.
While Podziemski and Kuminga are the same age (21), the former has a much more advantageous contract. He is only in his second year of contract while Kuminga will soon be extended, and he could demand between $25 and $30 million annually. This is also one of the reasons why the Warriors are looking to get rid of Andrew Wiggins and why they did not break the bank on Klay Thompson.
