The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads. Their 22-year-old rising star, Jonathan Kuminga, has electrified the NBA world this summer, but not for the reasons fans might hope. The athletic wing’s restricted free agency saga has dragged on, leaving the Warriors and their fanbase in limbo. With no progress on a contract extension or a sign-and-trade, the clock is ticking—not just on Kuminga’s future, but on Stephen Curry’s prime.
Kuminga, a dynamic force with jaw-dropping athleticism, has made it clear: he wants a new situation. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the role Kuminga envisions for himself—a centerpiece with a larger offensive responsibility—isn’t attainable in Golden State’s crowded roster. The Warriors, in turn, have scoured the league for trade partners to break the stalemate, but talks with teams like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have fizzled out. Now, a new contender has emerged: the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls, though preoccupied with resolving Josh Giddey’s restricted free agency, could offer Golden State a tantalizing package. At the heart of a potential sign-and-trade is Jalen Smith, a 6’10” former lottery pick who could be the perfect complement to Curry’s game. Selected No. 10 overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2020 NBA Draft, Smith has blossomed into a versatile big man with a rare combination of size, rim protection, and floor-spacing ability.
In the 2024-25 season, Smith averaged 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 15 minutes per game across 64 appearances for the Bulls. While his three-point shooting dipped to 32.4% this season, his 2023-24 campaign with the Indiana Pacers tells a different story: a scorching 42.4% on 2.4 attempts per game over 61 contests. That kind of shooting from a center unlocks endless possibilities for Curry, who thrives in pick-and-fade actions with stretch bigs.
But Smith isn’t the only piece Golden State could target. A package including young guard Ayo Dosunmu, a tenacious defender and playmaker, could add depth and versatility to the Warriors’ backcourt. Together, Smith and Dosunmu could inject new life into a roster desperate to maximize Curry’s championship window.
At 37, Stephen Curry remains a transcendent talent. The 4-time NBA champion and 2022 Finals MVP is still torching defenses, but the Warriors’ supporting cast has struggled to keep pace. Kuminga’s potential is undeniable, but his fit alongside Curry, Draymond Green, and the team’s other stars has been awkward at best. His desire for a bigger role elsewhere only underscores the need for a bold move.
The Warriors’ front office, led by GM Mike Dunleavy, must act decisively. A trade for Smith and Dosunmu would give Curry the tools to dominate in new ways: a sharpshooting big to stretch the floor and a scrappy guard to hound opponents. Waiting too long risks squandering Curry’s prime and alienating Kuminga further, potentially lowering his trade value.
Chicago’s interest in Kuminga isn’t guaranteed. The Bulls are grappling with Giddey’s situation, which could delay or derail trade talks. But if the Warriors strike while the iron is hot, they could secure a deal that reshapes their roster for another title run. Smith’s proven shooting and rim protection, paired with Dosunmu’s upside, make this a no-brainer for a team that lives and dies by spacing and versatility.
The Warriors can’t afford to let this opportunity slip away. Trading Kuminga for Jalen Smith and Ayo Dosunmu isn’t just a roster tweak—it’s a lifeline for Curry’s legacy. Golden State must move now, or risk wasting the prime of the greatest shooter the game has ever seen. The ball is in Dunleavy’s court. Will he make the call?