NBA rumors: Popular Raptors trade target back on the market

The Toronto Raptors are expected to be one of the big names that dominated the free agency and trade discussions in the offseason. With three of the team’s best six players all scheduled to hit the open market and trade rumors surrounding two of the other three, expect tons of activity.

The Golden State Warriors, who might try to milk a few more years out of their old core and forgo their developmental ways, might be worth getting on the horn. After all, they were very interested in OG Anunoby in the minutes leading up to the 2023 trade deadline before talks fell through.

One name that could be traded is wing Jonathan Kuminga. With No. 2 pick James Wiseman already dealt to the Pistons, the springy forward with great dunking ability might be next on the chopping block, per Zach Lowe of ESPN. Kuminga averaged 9.9 points per game while making 52.5% of his shots and 37% of his 3-pointers last season.

As long as the Raptors are going to forge on ahead in their quest to simultaneously develop Masai Ujiri’s young players and compete for a championship, Kuminga seems like the type of player who would make sense as a trade target. His potential still hasn’t been reached.

NBA rumors: Toronto Raptors target Jonathan Kuminga available

Kuminga’s 3-point shot is lightyears better than what it was after he declared for the NBA Draft, though a team like Toronto may only trade for him if they are confident they can help him maintain a high level of efficiency with some increased volume from deep.

While Kuminga was a more productive player than Wiseman, the Warriors might not insist on a gargantuan return to move him. The Warriors are so financially limited due to the new CBA rules that they can’t take on a ton of salary. Maybe if Toronto can get a third team involved, this swap can become a reality.

Kuminga would immediately be the best bench player on the team with the potential to become a long-term starter eventually. With Kuminga being selected just a few picks after Scottie Barnes, and some sources having the Congolese wing as an equal or better prospect, he should be taken seriously as a part of this team’s future.

Kuminga becoming available would be a dream for this team, as he is the type of player that Ujiri has historically fawned over. Golden State would be foolish to let him go, and Toronto could take advantage.