It has been an up-and-down season so far for the Warriors, who haven’t been more than three games over .500 at any point in the first half and currently hold a 20-18 record. However, in the view of Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the team should still be in good shape if it can consistently get the sort of contributions from “X-factors” that it did in Wednesday’s victory over Milwaukee.
While Stephen Curry was the only member of the starting lineup with a positive net rating on the night, all five reserves used by head coach Steve Kerr achieved that feat. Brandin Podziemski was a +19, Gui Santos was a +12, De’Anthony Melton scored 22 points, and Al Horford contributed eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.
The contributions by Melton and Horford were especially welcome, since the two offseason veteran additions were limited by injuries during the fall and have only recently started producing more consistently as part of the Warriors’ second unit. Draymond Green referred to the duo as “guys that connect our lineups,” while Curry also highlighted their importance.
“Those two guys weren’t available much or at all early in the year, and they’re both trying to find their legs, their rhythm,” Curry said. “But you can see how much of a difference they can make off the bench.”
Here are a few more notes from around the Pacific:
- Green became the latest Warriors veteran to praise Jonathan Kuminga for how he has handled his removal from the rotation and his uncertain future, as Dan Dempster of NBC Sports Bay Area details. “Such a standup young man and great person and (he) will be a great player,” Green said, before going on to provide examples of Kuminga’s professionalism. Still, outside of Sacramento, league-wide trade interest in Kuminga has been “tepid,” Poole reports for NBC Sports Bay Area. Poole goes on to say that the relationship between the Warriors and the fifth-year forward remains “cordial” but that their differences don’t appear reconcilable.
- Suns forward Dillon Brooks broke into a smile when asked this week about Mat Ishbia‘s assertion that Brooks is “not going anywhere,” as Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic relays (Twitter video link). Responding to a tweet suggesting a Brooks/Austin Reaves swap, the Suns’ owner said “don’t bother calling” because his team isn’t interested. “He’s been saying I’m going to be a longtime Phoenix Sun. I appreciate it,” said Brooks, who is under contract through 2026/27 and will be extension-eligible during the offseason.
- Hunter Sallis, an undrafted rookie out of Wake Forest who appeared in seven games while on a two-way contract with Philadelphia earlier this season, has joined the San Diego Clippers, the G League team announced (via Twitter). As Law Murray of The Athletic points out (via Twitter), Sallis is James Harden‘s cousin.
So I guess things could change of course, but the current proposal as we stand today is Jonathan Kuminga and two first round picks for Michael Porter Junior?
Is that something the Warriors should do? Probably have to throw in Buddy Hield to match the salaries.
I don’t mind throwing in 2026 pick but not ones that are down the road that the warriors will need and could be top 10 picks.
Warriors need to do something is they are going to keep the trio for the next 2 yrs. Besides, Warriors are not good with 1st rd picks, lol. MPJ will be a huge boost for the current team and they can get rid of some contracts as well.
warriors really have not had many good 1st round picks. Kuminga was because Lacob went against teh scouting staff and picked the pick. Wiseman was because of covid where they had to go blindly on picking him.
They blew it with those assets, but it’s in the past. Warriors dont want to rebuild and Curry aint retiring for another 3-4 yrs. They need to make this trade amd they can still have flexibility for 2027.
they do ned to make trades but it got to be smart trades. Their payroll makes it almost impossible to make a trade. It doesn’t need to be for an allstar. They need a back up for Post and a 3rd scorer off the bench
It’s funny because in the predrafts Moody was going top 8, and Kuminga was going 12-15, but on the day they switched places. GSW getting both and then having Kerr cry like a baby and straight up refuse to play either. Moody had a 30 point game at age 19 in the NBA, and Kerr proceeded to bench him for scrubs who aren’t on the team anymore.
Only if Lacob not over rule the draft experts the warriors wanted we would have Wagner as our center.
To be fair, those same experts said Wiseman over Lamelo, Obi, Bey, Deni, Okongwu, Maxey and Bane – all guys who would have benefited the Warriors a trillion times better than Wiseman.
Warriors dodged a bullet with the Moody pick, they were rumored to pick Chris Duarte who the Pacers selected right before their pick
Lacob is a very good owner but definitely agree he needs to stay out of the draft room
MPJ and Steph playing D? Bad idea. Jr might be worse than James Harden on that end. He’s also soft or just plan old special on the defensive glass. Watch him off the ball only next game nets play. He’s also a me player. 100% not a saviour for the Warriors.
Might have to get a third team involved to match up all the salaries for a deal like that. I’d do it though. Hard to believe Porter Jr. is only 27. We can’t wait forever on Giannis and the Bucks.
The only other thing I’m reading at this moment is the bulls being involved to give the nets more of what they want.
Like many around the league they have no perceived added value from acquiring Jonathan Kuminga.
That means more assets leaving the Warriors to acquire Porter Junior.
Warriors in a tough spot here.
there is so many rumors out there its hard to know what is the truth and what is not. Sounds like the Kings want Kuminga badly but they can’t find anyone to take Monks contract. i am also wondering if Mavs jump in on teh kuminga trade and Thonmpson part of teh package coming back?
Giannis will be a FA in 2027
Gotta give Dillon Brooks some love. Playing well this year. One of reasons Suns are better than Warriors at 22–15. Suns should move Green. I would be looking at Coby. Maluach is not even playing. Doing well Phoenix.
Good to hear Dra talk well of JK. Unlike Warriors fans on here. Who have called him names. Insulted his intelligence, his commitment, his desire to play. And always blamed him for his production and development. For three years ……. Can’t wait to see him on another team. It’s going to be special….
Maybe because he has been humbled. He passed up $125Million+ because he wanted more. He then had a terrible year. His summer contract drama didn’t endear him to teams. The offers around the league are drying up. What does any of that have to do with the fans? He needed to grow up.
MPJ —- to Warriors
Erik Slater
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Draymond Green on facing Michael Porter Jr. with the Nets compared to the Nuggets:
“It’s different. He didn’t have as much freedom in Denver… He’s showing that he’s the player that everybody thought or knew he was coming out of college. He’s finally getting to show that.”
Porter at 27 is prime for a playoff run. So he would be a good addition for Warriors or Pistons. Both teams involved in rumors. I wouldn’t pay a big price for him.
I think Claxton is a better fit for both teams. Especially for Warriors long term. He fills a big need for Warriors imo. Claxton has improved his offensive game.
Although I can see Nets moving MPJ before moving Claxton. I would still ask.
I mean, all that GSW needs is to play the $31.7M Kerr is DNP’ing every game. If that took the form of a singular good player, then GSW moves back into the top 4.
Kuminga was in much better mood in the sidelines against ML, he was literally cheering for his teammates. I guess he know something we dont know, lol. And a nice trade kicker.
i truly think they have a offer on the table for a few weeks now just counting down the days. they are acting like can we get a better deal. we find out next week if its true.
Kuminga has been so professional while dealing with this more than the low IQ hysterical lunatic smallball superfan Kerr has.
Kuminga at $22.5M
Hield at $9.2M
Has any NBA coach ever DNP’d $31.7M every game like the incompetent moron Kerr has? Actual question, has anyone in NBA history every been as clueless as 2023-present Steve Kerr?
Please name other coaches who have DNP’d that much salary before:
Two firsts is too much for MPJ, but this window is slamming shut after 26-27, so win now and suffer later.
With the Morant news in mind
I wonder if
You could get KCP for Kuminga
Probably with out attaching a pick
Maybe even in a three team deal so the
Kings could end up with
Kuminga and Morant
Memphis getting a bunch of draft picks and LaVine?