The Charlotte Hornets have been urged to make a blockbuster trade.
The Charlotte Hornets have been urged to "roll the dice" on a trade for a $22 million forward.
NBA writer James Piercey of DallasHoopsJournal believes the Hornets should attempt to trade for Golden State Warriors swingman Jonathan Kuminga, who has demanded a trade.
Kuminga is making $22.5 million this season.
"On a macro level, the Charlotte Hornets' situation feels familiar: young talent, optimism, and another season near the bottom of the standings,' Piercey wrote. "Look closer, though, and there's momentum. Kon Knueppel has emerged as a cornerstone-caliber player. Ryan Kalkbrenner has flashed real NBA utility. Brandon Miller continues to progress, and LaMelo Ball remains the engine when available.
"Adding Kuminga to that core could unlock lineup versatility Charlotte hasn't had in years. A group featuring Kalkbrenner, Kuminga, Miller, Knueppel, and Ball would be long, athletic, and devastating in transition. The Hornets could toggle between size and speed, use Kuminga as a small-ball five, and pressure opponents defensively in ways their current roster cannot. Charlotte doesn't need certainty. It needs upside — and patience to see it through."
Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Warriors to end his restricted free agency last offseason. The second year of the deal is a team option.
Kuminga has appeared in 20 games this season. He's averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 74.2% from the free-throw line. The 2022 NBA champion is currently out with a knee injury.
Kuminga holds career averages of 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Hornets haven't been linked to the Goma native, but that could change since the 2026 NBA trade deadline is coming up.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is February 5 at 3 p.m. ET. Kuminga has demanded a trade from the Warriors, who don't have to honor the trade demand since Kuminga doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract.
It will be interesting to see if the Hornets attempt to trade for Kuminga, who hates playing for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
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