The Golden State Warriors didn’t take any significant action to split up their core, despite rumors that they were all “everyone except Stephen Curry.”
The Warriors even pulled out of a trade that would have added versatile two-way guard Alex Caruso to strengthen their point-of-attack and perimeter defense.
Prior to it even getting off the ground, the Warriors put an end to it, according to KC Johnson of NBC Sports-Chicago.
“League sources said that the Bulls asked about Jonathan Kuminga’s availability during exploratory trade talks with the Golden State Warriors that focused on Caruso.” Johnson writes on February 8 that after receiving a rejection to that, the Bulls made it apparent in negotiations with all clubs that they were unwilling to deal Caruso, particularly for a package that would include other young players like Moses Moody.
Caruso, who was a member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team the previous season, signed a $37 million, four-year contract with the Bulls in 2021, but only has a half guarantee of income for the following season.
Jonathan Kuminga Was ‘Virtually’ Untouchable
The third-year forward Kuminga was able to join Curry as an untouchable in any deal thanks to his recent outstanding play.
Dunleavy answered, “Virtually,” according to The Athletic. As untouchable as guys in this league can be, really. Undoubtedly, he is at that level. After this deadline, I didn’t see how Jonathan would not be a member of our team.
Since December 6 of last year, Kuminga has scored ten or more goals in 29 consecutive games. The 21-year-old, who was formerly selected by lottery, has improved. He shot 57.7% from the field and averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists throughout this time. He has developed as their best attacker, a wonderful foil for Curry’s long-range shooting.
In the end, the Warriors only did a minor deal at the trade deadline.
To make room on the roster, they dealt end-of-rotation player Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for $5.8 million in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.
Lester Quiñones, a two-way player who has performed well during the team’s five-game road trip, might be converted to avoid $8 million in tax penalties, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Warriors Pick up 3rd Straight Win
Warriors coach Steve Kerr often defended his underachieving team, thinking that despite their record, they were capable of something exceptional.
They won four of their five games on the road, including three straight, proving he was correct.
Following Thursday’s trade deadline, Curry scored 42 points to turn around a dismal 9-point performance in Philadelphia, helping the Warriors defeat the Indiana Pacers 131-109.
They have won five of their previous six games, and they are feeling more and more confident as they prepare to play the hot Phoenix Suns (31–21), who are also riding a three-game winning streak, at home on Saturday.
Curry told reporters following the victory, “The challenge is to not get too far ahead of yourself, thinking you can just show up and win games.”
After making just one of his previous four 3-point attempts against the 76ers the previous evening, Curry scored 27 points in the first half. He finished with his fifth 40-point performance of the year, including a career-high 11 3-pointers.
Basketball writer Alder Almo writes for Heavy, covering the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. He has worked in print, television, and digital media for more than 15 years, both domestically and internationally. In the past, he covered the NBA for Off the Glass and the Knicks for Empire Sports Media. Alder currently resides in Jersey City, New Jersey, but he was born in the Philippines.Details regarding Alder Almo
