NBA Rumors: Is a return of Klay Thompson to the Golden State Warriors possible? Jonathan Kuminga could be the key to it

The Jonathan Kuminga era with Golden State Warriors seems to be coming to an end. The young forward became trade eligible on Thursday and immediately requested to be moved. This outcome is not surprising considering his recent situation: Kuminga has sat on the bench for 13 consecutive games and has played in only one of the last 17 team matches. Additionally, Steve Kerr has not hidden his dissatisfaction with the 23-year-old player.

In this context, a three-team trade proposal presented by Grant Hughes from Bleacher Report has started gaining traction, aiming to take Kuminga away from the Bay Area. According to this scenario, the trade would be structured as follows:

Dallas Mavericks would receive:

• Jonathan Kuminga

• Georges Niang

Golden State Warriors would receive:

• Daniel Gafford

• Klay Thompson

Utah Jazz would receive:

• Buddy Hield

• 2027 first-round pick (via Golden State)

Dallas looks to the future with Kuminga

With the highly likely departure of Anthony Davis, the Mavericks seem determined to refocus their project and build around rookie Cooper Flagg. Kuminga fits into this plan, as at 23, he still has room for growth. Drafted 7th overall in 2021, the forward had breakout seasons in 2023-24 and 2024-25, averaging over 15 points per game. The addition of Georges Niang would also hold strategic value for Dallas, as his contract expires, providing salary flexibility for the coming summer.

One of the main attractions of this operation for Golden State would be the return of Klay Thompson to reunite with Stephen Curry. The Warriors have long been seeking a scorer to complement Curry and Jimmy Butler, and the return of one of the original Splash Brothers would fit into that idea. Additionally, Kerr's team would add Daniel Gafford, an athletic center with shot-blocking abilities, a profile the franchise has been trying to incorporate for a while.

For the Utah Jazz, the focus of the move would be absorbing Buddy Hield's contract from Golden State in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick. The true value of this selection will depend on the progression of the Warriors' project, especially considering Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are already over 35. If this type of operation is confirmed, it could mark profound changes for three franchises with very different objectives.