Now that the Warriors’ season is over, focus has immediately shifted to the direction they will take next. One of the biggest dilemmas this summer – what to do with Jonathan Kuminga? With his current contract expiring, he will be a restricted free agent, free to join any interested team. That is, unless Mike Dunleavy decides to match the offer and keep him. But it’s not that easy!

Yes, Kuminga is a talented young player who has shown year-on-year improvement since he joined the league. This season, he averaged 15.3 points and nearly five rebounds. But Steve Kerr made it clear by fading JK out of his rotation that the forward might not be the right fit in a Jimmy Butler-led squad. Moreover, Kuminga reportedly desires a $35 million per year extension, which will deeply hurt Dunleavy’s pockets. That’s one of the reasons they could not reach an agreement last summer. So, trading Kuminga seems like a legitimate option the GM will consider. Speculations are that Brooklyn could be one of the potential destinations.

Well, the Nets have a player Warriors have desired for a very long time and could be the solution to all their problems – Cam Johnson. He just had a career year, averaging 18.8 points while shooting 39% from deep range. And his 6’8 frame will give the Bay Area team more size, which veteran insider Shams Charania reported is Dunleavy’s priority this summer, “I’m told their priority is finding a playmaking wing defender or a Center to add to this group.” Johnson fits the description perfectly. So, part of Warriors’ plan could be to offer the Nets a trade package, including Kuminga in exchange for Cam.

Per veteran insider Andy Bailey, “The Brooklyn Nets could have upwards of $50 million in cap space this summer, which makes them one of the teams that could give Kuminga the kind of offer sheet that might actually make Lacob and the Warriors squirm.” But there’s a catch. With Johnson’s stock rising, he won’t be short on suitors. One serious contender? The Philadelphia 76ers. After a disappointing season, the Sixers are actively hunting for upgrades—and he fits the bill as a high-upside swingman they could plug in right away.

According to a mock trade proposal by The Athletic, “Would Brooklyn look at a deal in the ballpark of Cam Johnson, No. 19 and No. 27 for Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and No. 3? Such a deal would allow the Nets to potentially get the upside swing at No. 3, keep No. 8, and still have another late first-round pick to accumulate talent.”

Now that the Sixers own this year’s third pick, they could leverage it in the trade market to acquire a star. Meanwhile, a top five pick would massively boost the Nets’ rebuilding plan, along with the multiple first round picks they own in this year’s draft. If Daryl Morey makes this offer to the Nets, the Warriors’ plan to add Cam could be in serious jeopardy because of how little they have to offer in exchange. Moreover, it will leave the Kuminga question unanswered.

Mike Dunleavy interested in bringing Jonathan Kuminga back but is keeping his options open

Whichever team Cam joins next, he will surely be a massive asset to them. With his scoring ability and lethal perimeter shooting, he is the kind of player most teams crave for in the modern NBA. But Dunleavy needs to consider a lot of factors before making a move for the Nets forward, because risking the future for a hopeful present is not an easy decision.

“We’re good giving up whatever it takes. It just depends how good we think that will make our team. I think the only issue with mortgaging the future is you don’t wanna get caught, you don’t wanna get caught in a situation where we give up a ton, put all our chips in and then ten games into the season, we have a catastrophic injury. There’s nowhere to go and then we’re stuck for 4-5 years. So, we gotta balance that well.” The GM stated during the end of season interview.

There is also a chance that he might end up re-signing Kuminga, “As far as bringing him back next season I think it’s something that we’re very interested in doing.” With Steph injured, Kuminga proved his worth by averaging 24.2 points in the last four games against the Wolves.

And Dunleavy knows what he brings to the table, “When I look at things that JK does well in terms of getting to the rim, finishing, getting fouled, these are things we greatly need. We know he can bring those things to the table. It’s not hypothetical, it’s not a guy in the draft that we think can do it. He’s shown for four years he can do that, so for that reason we’ll try to bring him back.”

Obviously, the final decision will depend on multiple factors, including contract negotiations and available trade options. Also, the availability of superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant will play a major role. “It’s a two-way street in terms of getting a new contract and all that. We’ll see where that goes.” Mike added, keeping his options open for the summer. What do you think he should do?