With Jonathan Kuminga nearing trade eligibility, the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to show interest. After falling out of Golden State’s rotation, Kuminga could become a low-risk upside move for a franchise seeking direction.

Jonathan Kuminga is set to become trade-eligible on January 15, and league chatter around his future is picking up again. Despite falling out of the rotation in Golden State, one struggling franchise appears ready to take a closer look.

According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to show interest in Kuminga once he becomes available for trade.

New Orleans, a franchise valued at roughly $3.5 billion, is very much open to roster changes as it tries to reset direction following another disappointing stretch.

However, Kuminga’s situation with the Golden State Warriors has quietly deteriorated. After signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract extension, he opened the season as a starter under Steve Kerr and played well early.

That momentum stalled after a mid-November injury. When he returned, his role shrank quickly, leading to multiple DNPs and inconsistent appearances.

Additionally, for New Orleans, the appeal is straightforward. The Pelicans are reportedly willing to listen to several veterans as they juggle timelines around players like Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III, while building around rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Kuminga fits the profile of a low-risk upside swing for a team still searching for long-term clarity.

Who Could Warriors Swap In For Jonathan Kuminga?

Jonathan Kuminga (Image Credits: Imagn)

As the Golden State looks for answers at 16–15, the front office may be forced to think creatively. One idea quietly floating around the league is a nostalgic reunion with Klay Thompson.

It sounds unlikely, but the logic isn’t hard to follow. The Warriors need shooting to support Stephen Curry, and Thompson, who’s now with the Dallas Mavericks, is no longer the same player he once was.

Still, his floor spacing and his familiarity with Golden State’s system carry real value. Dallas, meanwhile, may be staring at a full reset after a rough season and major front-office changes.

With the organization pivoting toward a future built around Cooper Flagg, acquiring a 23-year-old like Kuminga could make sense. Giving him consistent minutes in a low-pressure environment might finally answer whether his upside can translate into long-term production.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.