Report: Warriors 'weighed' bigger trade with Nets

On Saturday, the Golden State Warriors struck a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sending Dennis Schroder to the Bay Area. Golden State parted with De'Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and two future second-round draft picks to get the deal over the line. Schroder's ability to create for himself and others should be an impactful addition to Steve Kerr's rotation.

According to Jake Fischer, who wrote in Sunday's edition of The Stein Line Newsletter, the Warriors considered a bigger deal with Brooklyn. That move could have seen Schroder and Cam Johnson team up with Steph Curry. However, a deal like that would likely have meant Golden State parting with Jonathan Kuminga. 

"To acquire both Schroder and Cam Johnson from the Nets, as league sources say was also weighed by the Warriors, almost certainly would have required them to surrender Jonathan Kuminga," Fischer reported. "It makes more sense for Golden State to give it more time before going to such lengths to see A) how Kuminga continues to handle a role that the Warriors have gradually been expanding and B) whether saving Kuminga for down-the-road trade talks can help them land a true All-Star-caliber sidekick for Stephen Curry after the Warriors' unsuccessful offseason trade pursuits of Paul George and Lauri Markkanen."

Adding Johnson would have taken the Warriors to another level. His three-level scoring threat would have shone on a team that has Curry spacing the floor. Parting with Kuminga was likely too steep of a price, though. Golden State is wise to see how he continues to develop, especially as he is the kind of young talent that can swing star-level trade discussions. 

It's also important to gauge how Kuminga is developing as a future star for the Warriors franchise. Although he struggled in a power forward role to begin the season, he has shone since being reinstated to the starting lineup over the past month. If he continues to flash All-Star upside, the Warriors would be wise to retain him in the summer and continue building around him. 

Yes, Johnson would have provided a much-needed scoring punch. But, in terms of star-level impact, he isn't at a level that would necessitate the Warriors parting with their most tradable asset. 

Now, all eyes will be on Kuminga heading into the Feb. 6 trade deadline. If he remains on the Warriors, we should expect to see him get paid in the summer of 2025 when he hits restricted free agency.