As the February trade deadline looms, one name keeps dominating the rumor mill: Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. The 23-year-old athletic freak is widely expected to be moved, and now NBA insider-turned-podcaster Bill Simmons has dropped a bombshell three-team trade proposal that could send shockwaves across the league.
On the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the Ringer founder laid out a blockbuster swap involving the Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and Dallas Mavericks that he believes would instantly improve all three franchises.
The Proposed Trade
- Warriors receive: Daniel Gafford + an expiring contract from Chicago
- Mavericks receive: Coby White
- Bulls receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Simmons’ logic is brutally straightforward: Chicago’s backcourt became overcrowded the moment Coby White returned healthy alongside Josh Giddey (whom they just extended). White, headed to restricted free agency this summer, might not fit long-term. Trading him for Kuminga gives the Bulls the explosive wing they’ve desperately needed.
Meanwhile, Dallas lands a 23-year-old scoring guard who can spell (or eventually replace) an aging Kyrie Irving, all while staying under the tax apron. And Golden State? They finally get the legitimate size they’ve lacked since the Kevon Looney prime days. Daniel Gafford — the springy, rim-running, shot-blocking center — would slide perfectly next to Draymond Green and give the Warriors a real chance to win playoff series in the loaded West.
“If they could turn Kuminga into Gafford somehow — I’m not going to say they’re going to make the Finals, but I think that at least gives them a puncher’s chance to win a couple rounds,” Simmons said.
Kuminga’s Cloudy Present, Bright Future
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Kuminga hasn’t played since November 12 against San Antonio and has now missed seven straight games with bilateral patellar tendinitis. Steve Kerr revealed this week that the injury was worse than initially believed, though Kuminga has started participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages again. No firm return date yet.
Before the injury, Kuminga was putting up a solid 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 47.8% shooting — numbers that felt underwhelming only because expectations were sky-high after his playoff explosion two years ago.
His trade value took another hit when he was demoted to the bench early this season, but league sources still view his new two-year, $46.8 million extension (with a team option for 2026-27) as one of the most attractive contracts in the NBA. He can’t be moved until January 15, 2026, giving Golden State six weeks to either showcase him or let the rumor mill do the work.
Why This Trade Could Actually Happen
Gafford, fresh off a three-year, $54 million extension, is one of the most coveted backup bigs in the league and would likely command a first-round pick on his own. Pairing him with an expiring salary from Chicago makes the money work. For a Warriors team that’s been bullied on the glass by the West’s monster frontcourts, adding a 6’10” lob threat and elite rim protector could be the missing piece.
The Bulls get younger, more athletic, and rid themselves of the looming Coby White decision. The Mavericks stay flexible and dangerous.
Love it or hate it, Simmons just threw gasoline on the Kuminga trade fire. With every game he misses, the whispers grow louder. When January 15 hits, expect phones to be ringing off the hook in the Bay Area.
The Jonathan Kuminga era in Golden State might be coming to a dramatic, blockbuster end — and the entire league is watching.