Warriors could swap Jonathan Kuminga for $91 million Cavs star, replace Kevon Looney

The Golden State Warriors could complete their first significant move of the offseason after losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to the Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, there’s a good chance the organization will land their top FA target by the end of the weekend.

“All signs, for the record, continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State … eventually,” Fischer wrote Thursday. “Sunday will be the first day of the 2025-26 salary cap year that NBA teams can make most free agent signings and trades official.”

However, with the Denver Nuggets’ newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas likely bolting for the EuroLeague, they could view Horford as a viable backup center for Nikola Jokic.

If Horford joins the Nuggets instead of the Warriors, Golden State could rebound by swapping Jonathan Kuminga for a Cleveland Cavaliers star center.

“Adding (Jarrett) Allen could be a game-changing move for the Golden State Warriors, as it addresses their frontcourt issues while supporting their championship aspirations,” Austin wrote Tuesday. 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“As one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors, Allen’s presence in the paint would instantly shore up a Warriors defense that struggled with rebounding and interior protection last year. Golden State often relied on the undersized Draymond Green to battle against bigger centers.”

“While Golden State would likely need to part with young assets like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, or Jonathan Kuminga to get a deal done, that may be a risk worth taking with their veteran core aging. The West is tough, but adding a legitimate big man could spark another serious run at a title.”

While Evan Mobley received most of the frontcourt shine for the Cavaliers last season (and rightfully so), Allen held his own in the post for the surging 64-18 Eastern Conference squad. 

Allen flourished as a dependable rim-runner, elite pick-and-roll finisher, physical rebounder, and satisfactory rim protector in Year 8. 

The Texas product averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting a career-best 70.6% from the field.

With the Warriors needing a center and reportedly looking to include Kuminga in a sign-and-trade this summer, Austin’s trade concept could quickly pick up steam.

More NBA: Warriors agree to historic seven-team trade involving two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant