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Golden State Warriors fans cannot seem to believe the latest rumors surrounding the team ahead of the 2023 NBA draft. There are rumors suggesting that the Warriors are looking to trade up by moving on from former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga.
According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, the Warriors are exploring options to possibly move up in this year's draft. Golden State has the No. 19 pick and is linked to Michigan forward Jett Howard, son of former NBA player Juwan Howard.
"He's an extreme contrast in ability, from what he showed early in the season until late of it when he played through an injury," Givony wrote.
He added:
"If not Howard, the Warriors could look at other prospects who fit their style of play. The appetite for taking on more projects will likely be limited due to their narrow window for maximizing the prime of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and others.
"Sources tell ESPN the Warriors are also exploring the option of acquiring a high draft pick in exchange for a young prospect such as Jonathan Kuminga."
Jonathan Kuminga has been linked to a potential trade this offseason. He was removed from the rotation in the postseason by coach Steve Kerr. Lack of playing time and inconsistent minutes have been the source of frustration for the 20-year-old forward.
Meanwhile, there are no game-changing talents in this year's draft outside of Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. Unless the Golden State Warriors view Brandon Miller as one, they might be better off holding on to Kuminga and letting him go next season.
However, with the rumors of Golden State looking to move up in the draft, Warriors fans were in disbelief. One even claimed that if the team makes the move, Kerr would just bench him like what he did to James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Kuminga. The fan said:
"Ye let's get another rookie Kerr won't play."
Another tweeted:
"Let's trade Kuminga for a pick in the hopes that the pick becomes Kuminga."
A third chimed in:
"So we'll trade Kuminga, who Kerr won't play because he's young and raw, just to draft another young and raw player in this draft, who Kerr won't play. Makes sense."
Here are other Golden State Warriors fans reacting to the rumors of the team wanting to move up in this year's draft:
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Golden State Warriors head coach refuted rumors of Jonathan Kuminga trade in May
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed in May that Jonathan Kuminga was frustrated with his role and playing time in the playoffs.
However, Kerr denied that they were entertaining the idea of trading Kuminga this offseason.
"Is he upset that he didn't play? I think he’s frustrated that he didn’t play," Kerr said. "I would hope anybody in his situation would be frustrated with not playing. These guys are competitors, and they’re dying to be out there. I didn’t put him out there much, so he has every right to be frustrated. Anything beyond that is just speculation."
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