Proposed Warriors trade involving Jonathan Kuminga lands $205 million ex-DPOY, two-time All-Star

It can be dangerous for a franchise to put all its eggs in one basket during the trade season. 

If it's unable to land its desired trade target, it could risk walking away with nothing. In the Golden State Warriors’ case, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the asset they're prioritizing over everyone else. 

However, failing to acquire the Milwaukee Bucks star without an alternative plan could spell doom for the seven-time NBA champions. 

Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley believes that a 6-foot-11 former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star could be a high-level fallback option in a trade built around Jonathan Kuminga. 

“(Jaren) Jackson's trade value is not easy to figure out. Not many players in NBA history are 6-foot-11-plus, can shoot the three and play defense at a DPOY level.”

“He's just 26 years old, so he should be in his prime. Jackson makes $49 million next season, which would make the Warriors extremely top-heavy on the cap sheet.”

“But they'd go into next season with Stephen Curry, Butler, Jackson, Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Will Richard, and they'd have a great chance to retain restricted free agents Gui Santos and Quinten Post. That's an eight-man rotation that could do damage in the playoffs.”

Akeley’s trade concept would send Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, a 2029 first-round pick swap, a 2031 first-round pick swap, and a 2032 first-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jackson. 

Although rebounding isn’t a strong suit for Jackson, he possesses an enticing two-way skill set that would help the Warriors’ frontcourt reach new heights. 

Whether taking defenders off the dribble while traveling in either direction, drilling pitch-back/pick-and-pop triples at a respectable clip, or making his presence felt as a top-notch rim protector, Jackson produces nightly. 

The Michigan State product is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game with the Grizzlies this season, shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.5% from three.

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