The Golden State Warriors were reportedly interested in acquiring Paul George via trade before he opted out of his player option to hit unrestricted free agency. Mike Dunleavy Jr. had a plethora of tradeable assets at his disposal, including future draft picks and multiple impressive young talents.

However, the front office refused to entertain a potential trade package that included Jonathan Kuminga. He has emerged as a genuine cornerstone for the Warriors’ future and is seemingly viewed as untouchable at present, as reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne in a recent article. 

“The Warriors offered multiple combinations of expiring contracts, young players and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick, sources said,” Shelburne reported. “The Clippers countered by asking for prized youngster Jonathan Kuminga, sources said. The Warriors resisted because Kuminga is so important to their own future, sources said, but also because they worried George wouldn’t be as interested in joining them if they gave up too much to get him.”

George ultimately joined the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. That left the Warriors to pivot after allowing Klay Thompson to bolt for the Dallas Mavericks as part of a three-team sign-and-trade deal that saw the four-time NBA champion ink a three-year $50 million contract.

Golden State has since added Kyle Anderson to their roster and are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Buddy Heild to help fill the perimeter scoring void left behind by Thompson. Steve Kerr’s team will look different in the upcoming season as the Warriors look to bounce back from a tough 2023-24 campaign.