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Pelicans Emerge as Suitors for Steph Curry’s NBA Champion Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:33 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the most active teams in the 2025 NBA offseason. After an underwhelming 2024-25 season having a 21-61 record and firing executive vice president David Griffin, the Pelicans are set to start fresh and try to compete for something more than a play-in tournament berth.

After drafting Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears and Micah Peavy, New Orleans made several moves on the trade market and free agency.

Despite losing Bruce Brown in free agency to the Denver Nuggets, they signed Kevon Looney on a two-year deal. New Orleans also completed a trade with the Washington Wizards that landed him Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole in exchange for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk.

They are anything but done making moves this offseason. The Pelicans are reportedly plotting a move for another Golden State Warriors player to reunite him with Looney.

NBA reporter Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson shared on Wednesday that the Pelicans are interested in making a move for Jonathan Kuminga, a player who's fallen off Steve Kerr's pecking order.

However, Robinson said, there's a catch for the Pelicans, who would have to maneuver to find the right package to land the forward.

"While most of the NBA world is focused on fireworks off the court this summer, sources tell me the New Orleans Pelicans are quietly, yet aggressively, exploring a way to land Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade. And yes — they’re trying to get creative with the math.

"Here’s what I’m hearing: The Pelicans are actively trying to “work the numbers” on a sign-and-trade deal with Golden State. The goal? Get Kuminga paid, then circle back to finalize trade compensation after the ink dries on the new deal.

His fit with Zion Williamson, as well as his play style and his ability to turn up during the playoffs, are mentioned as factors in the Pelicans' pursuit of Kuminga.

Pelicans Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars will need to move salaries, young players and draft capital to make this move happen. Players like Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones could be on the move to unlock negotiations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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