Warriors predicted to cut ties with $24 million NBA champion via trade with Timberwolves

Going into the New Year, the Minnesota Timberwolves are hoping to turn the page on a rough start to the 2025 season. Although there's been games where they look like a top team in the league, they haven't been able to do it consistently.

With both of their recent wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, the Wolves look like a contender in the Western Conference. If they're going to take that next step it may take a big trade prior to the deadline. 

Most of the blame for the team's inconsistent play has been centered around both newcomers Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. It's gotten to the point where either DiVincenzo should start, or Randle should come off the bench. They play well together, so maybe there is a deal that keeps one or both in Minnesota.

With so many trade rumors circulating, one thing the Wolves could use is a high volume scoring small forward. Luckily for Minnesota, there is a variety of those players that are being associated with trade rumors. One of those players is Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Both the Warriors and Wolves are in a unique position financially. Neither team can afford to do much in terms of trade because of their cap space. A proposed trade would send Kuminga to Minnesota for rookie guard Rob Dillingham and veteran Joe Ingles to the Warriors.

For this trade to happen, both teams would need to add some additional draft capital. The Warriors bring in a rookie guard in Dillingham that can learn from Stephen Curry and build for the future, plus they get a consistent three-point shooter in Ingles. The Wolves bring in a high-volume scorer that they could add to their rotation.

With the way Kuminga has been playing this year, he is surely making his case for when he becomes a restricted free-agent after next season. It may be a bidding war for him shall he become a RFA, but whichever team he is on will have the final bid. 

Essentially, it's a trade that puts both teams in a position to win now while also helping them build for the future. It could also be a trade that could come after Randle or DiVincenzo are moved. It's a trade that would give Kuminga more minutes and more opportunities to score since Minnesota is craving any help they can get on the offensive end. 

MORE WOLVES NEWS: Timberwolves coach says he will experiment with starting lineup until it works