The Golden State Warriors are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of a superstar to pair with their 36-year-old franchise cornerstone, Steph Curry. The team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its roster were highlighted by ESPN insider Shams Charania during Friday’s episode of NBA Today.
“I’m told the Warriors are on the real hunt for a star—a playmaker, a scorer—alongside Stephen Curry,” Charania shared. “You think back to the summer when they pursued Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz. They also made a pitch to Paul George during his free agency with the Clippers. The key debate now is whether Golden State will find that star externally or from within their current roster, with a player like Jonathan Kuminga.”
Jonathan Kuminga’s Rising Potential
Kuminga, the Warriors’ most promising young asset, continues to be at the center of trade discussions and internal development plans.
The 22-year-old forward is currently enjoying his best season yet, averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. His ability to contribute offensively and defensively makes him a critical piece of the Warriors’ future, whether as a core player or trade bait.
Kuminga showcased his potential in the Warriors’ gritty 99–93 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night at Chase Center. In his first game playing over 30 minutes this season, Kuminga delivered a career-high 33 points on 13-of-22 shooting, along with nine rebounds and one block.
It was a standout performance that came with Curry watching from the sidelines as he managed a bilateral knee injury. Curry, ever the supportive teammate, cheered Kuminga on from the bench and later praised him on social media for his breakout game.
Warriors’ Dilemma: Develop or Trade?
The Warriors face a pivotal decision: invest further in Kuminga’s development or use his rising stock as leverage for a blockbuster trade. Head coach Steve Kerr may have no choice but to increase Kuminga’s playing time to further assess his potential or boost his trade value.
“The Warriors’ future will be shaped over the next few weeks and months before the trade deadline,” Charania said. “The question is, how can they secure that next championship alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green?”
Past Attempts to Add a Star
Golden State has already explored external options. Over the summer, the team pursued Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, a versatile forward known for his scoring and rebounding. They also made overtures to Clippers forward Paul George during free agency, though neither pursuit came to fruition. These efforts underline the Warriors’ determination to find the perfect complement to Curry’s playmaking and scoring prowess.
Championship Window Closing
With Curry still performing at an elite level, the Warriors are acutely aware of the urgency to capitalize on his remaining prime years. Draymond Green, another critical piece of the Warriors’ championship core, is also in the twilight of his career. This has created a sense of immediacy within the organization to secure one more title before the team enters a full-scale rebuild.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
The coming weeks and months will be critical for Golden State. If Kuminga continues to thrive, the Warriors may choose to focus on internal growth, betting on his ability to evolve into a star.
However, if the right opportunity arises, the team could use Kuminga and other assets to acquire a proven All-Star who can help them contend immediately.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Warriors’ front office to see whether they double down on their current roster or make a bold move to extend their championship window. One thing is clear: with Steph Curry still at the helm, the Warriors are determined to remain a force in the NBA.
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