The Golden State Warriors’ trade deadline calculus may have just become more complicated. With Jonathan Kuminga’s long-term future already uncertain, Golden State has been monitoring the trade market for a forward who can contribute both now and beyond this season. That search has placed Charlotte Hornets scorer Miles Bridges firmly on the Warriors’ radar. However, Kuminga’s recent ankle injury has added a new layer of difficulty to any potential deal, reshaping Golden State’s leverage at a critical moment.

Bridges, who is averaging 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds this season, has emerged as one of the most sought-after names ahead of the deadline. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, interest in the 27-year-old forward is intensifying across the league.

“As for Charlotte players who might be on the move, veteran forward Miles Bridges is drawing significant interest, league sources told The Athletic. The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns are all known to be among the interested parties, though it remains to be seen if any team can compel the Hornets to give Bridges up.”

Bridges’ appeal extends beyond his on-court production. He is on a team-friendly contract that averages roughly $25 million per season, with $22.8 million owed in the final year. That structure gives acquiring teams financial flexibility while avoiding a long-term cap commitment.

From Golden State’s perspective, a deal centered around Kuminga has been viewed internally as one of the few realistic pathways to landing a player of Bridges’ caliber. However, the Hornets’ reported asking price of one or potentially two first-round picks has already made negotiations difficult, especially with multiple contenders involved.

Jonathan Kuminga’s injury complicates Golden State’s trade leverage

That challenge intensified after Kuminga suffered an ankle injury against the Dallas Mavericks. The fifth-year forward had been playing well before exiting the game, making his availability a key factor moving forward.

“We’ll see how bad it is,” Steve Kerr said. “It’s a shame because he was playing great. That definitely hurt us not having him available for the second half.”

If Kuminga’s injury sidelines him for an extended period, it could weaken Golden State’s position in any negotiation. A team already weighing whether to part with premium draft capital may now face added hesitation from trade partners concerned about immediate availability and long-term value.

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Golden State is not alone in pursuing Bridges. Both the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are believed to be monitoring the situation closely, creating the conditions for a bidding environment rather than a straightforward negotiation.

This mirrors previous deadlines where the Warriors have been forced to balance urgency against future flexibility. Historically, the Golden State has been cautious about surrendering first-round picks unless a move clearly elevates its championship ceiling, a principle that remains intact despite current roster uncertainty.

With Kuminga’s injury status still unclear and the Hornets holding firm on their valuation, the Warriors face a narrowing window to decide whether Bridges is worth the cost. If Charlotte maintains its asking price and competition remains strong, Golden State may ultimately opt to preserve its draft assets rather than force a move under unfavorable conditions.

For now, Bridges remains a legitimate target but one whose availability is increasingly shaped by timing, health, and leverage rather than simple interest.