The vibe around the Chase Center is weird right now. Honestly, it’s tense. You’ve got Stephen Curry still playing like a god at 37, Jimmy Butler providing that gritty veteran presence, and yet the Golden State Warriors are hovering just above .500 with a 21-19 record. It’s that awkward middle ground where you’re too good to tank but not scary enough to make the Thunder or Nuggets lose sleep.
Naturally, the NBA trade rumors: Warriors mill is spinning at a thousand miles per hour because the February 5 deadline is staring Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the face.
The biggest name on everyone’s lips? Michael Porter Jr. There’s actual smoke here, not just Twitter fan fiction. During Joe Lacob’s 70th birthday party recently, fans were literally shouting "MPJ trade soon" at him. Lacob didn't exactly shut it down. When the owner is hearing it at his birthday bash, you know the pressure is reaching a boiling point.
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Why Michael Porter Jr. is the "Lock" Everyone is Talking About
If you believe John Hollinger over at The Athletic, MPJ is essentially a "lock" to be moved by the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are in a strange spot where they want to sell high on his career year. He’s been an absolute flamethrower from deep, and for a Warriors team that ranks in the bottom half of the league in offensive rating, that’s like water in a desert.
But here’s the kicker: the cost is steep.
We’re talking about a package likely involving Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield. Oh, and probably a first-round pick. Dunleavy has been notoriously stingy with those future picks, but how long can you ask Steph to carry this kind of load?
The Jonathan Kuminga Situation is Getting Messy
Kuminga is the elephant in the room. He’s 23, he’s explosive, and right now, he’s basically a permanent fixture on Steve Kerr’s bench. He’s been racking up DNP-CDs (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) like they’re trading cards. It’s brutal to watch a guy with that much ceiling just sit there while the team struggles to score in the paint.
His trade eligibility kicks in on January 15, and most league insiders expect him to be packed up and moved shortly after.
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- The Problem: Kuminga’s value has dipped because he’s barely playing.
- The Conflict: He reportedly felt scapegoated when the starting lineup sputtered in November.
- The Reality: The fit just isn't there with the current rotation, especially with Jimmy Butler taking up a lot of the oxygen on the wing.
The Washington Wizards were a popular destination for him until they pulled the trigger on a Trae Young trade. Now, that math is complicated. The Lakers have been sniffing around too, looking for a 3-and-D wing, though Kuminga is more "3-and-maybe" than a finished product from deep.
Looking Past the Perimeter: Do They Need a Big?
While the MPJ noise is the loudest, some folks think the Warriors are looking at the wrong problem. The interior defense has been... let's say "generous."
Domantas Sabonis has been linked to Golden State in some wilder mock trades, though the Kings' asking price would probably involve Joe Lacob's firstborn. A more realistic target might be someone like Nic Claxton or even Myles Turner.
Turner has been a "Warriors trade target" in rumors for about five years running now, but he actually makes sense. He blocks shots. He hits threes. He doesn't need the ball. It’s the archetypal center for a Steve Kerr system, yet the Pacers never seem ready to let him go.
What about the "Dream" Targets?
Everyone wants to talk about Anthony Davis or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Forget about it.
At least for this deadline.
AD is dealing with another injury blow, and the Bucks aren't blowing it up while Giannis is still in his prime. The Warriors are looking for a needle-mover, but they aren't going to find a Top 10 player in January. They need a "1B" or a high-level "2" to take the scoring pressure off Curry and Butler.
The Financial Tightrope
This isn't just about talent; it's about the CBA. The new collective bargaining agreement is a nightmare for teams like the Warriors. They are already deep into the luxury tax.
To bring in a contract like Porter’s—which is massive—they have to send out almost equal salary. That’s why you see names like Buddy Hield and Moses Moody mentioned alongside Kuminga. They need the numbers to match.
The Warriors recently guaranteed the contracts of Gui Santos and Trayce Jackson-Davis for the rest of the season. That wasn't just a "good job" gesture; it was about roster stability. They have 15 players on standard contracts. If they want to bring in a big fish, they’ll likely have to send out more players than they receive just to make roster spots for guys like Pat Spencer, who is running out of "active" days on his two-way deal.
What Happens if They Stand Pat?
If Dunleavy does nothing? Honestly, it might be the beginning of the end for this era. You can’t waste a season where Curry is still this efficient.
The Western Conference is a bloodbath. The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg, the Rockets are young and fast, and the Thunder are a juggernaut. Sitting at the 8th or 9th seed and hoping for "Play-in Magic" is a dangerous game.
Actionable Insights for the Trade Deadline
If you're tracking these NBA trade rumors: Warriors over the next few weeks, watch these specific markers:
- January 15: This is the D-Day for Kuminga. If he isn't traded within 48 hours of this date, the Warriors might be waiting for a bigger multi-team deal to develop.
- The "Draymond Indicator": Keep an eye on Draymond Green’s podcast. He’s been dropping hints about "nine days" and "seeing what happens with Porter." He usually knows which way the wind is blowing before the reporters do.
- The Shooting Percentage: If the Warriors' bench continues to shoot sub-33% from three, expect the Michael Porter Jr. talks to move from "rumor" to "imminent."
The front office is in a corner. They have a legend in Curry, a playoff-proven star in Butler, and a supporting cast that currently feels like a collection of mismatched puzzle pieces. Whether it’s MPJ, a rim protector, or a shocking dark horse, something has to give.
Check the injury reports for Brooklyn over the next week. If Porter starts sitting out for "load management" or "minor soreness," get your jersey orders ready. The Bay Area is due for a shakeup.
Next Steps for Dub Nation:
- Monitor the Brooklyn Nets injury report for any Michael Porter Jr. "rest" days.
- Watch for any Jonathan Kuminga minutes increase; if he stays on the bench, a trade is almost certain.
- Follow Jake Fischer and Marc Stein for the latest salary cap breakdowns as the January 15 deadline approaches.