Following their second win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Brooklyn Nets have improved their record to 4-4. They now have the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference (although it is very early). Also, trade rumors continue to float, with the latest being the Nets’ possible interest in Jonathan Kuminga.
Nets Possible Interested In Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga On The Trade Block?
Rumors about Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga being on the trading block have circulated over the past two seasons. With a new general manager and a new core without Klay Thompson, the Warriors’ future could shift at the trade deadline or in the 2025 off-season.
Kuminga has sought an extension from the Warriors since the summer of 2023. However, the Warriors and Kuminga couldn’t agree on a deal, separated by around $5 million. After starting the first three games, Kuminga has come off the bench for the last four. He has averages of 13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Nets Trade Rumors
The Nets are being linked to Kuminga as they look to improve their roster. Trading for Kuminga makes sense because there are rumors that the team may look to trade forward Cam Johnson. Johnson is in the second season of his four-year, $94 million contract.
There are also rumors that the Nets might trade guard Ben Simmons. Simmons is in the final year of his $177 million contract and will be a free agent next summer. After three seasons of injuries and off-court issues, he is finally playing some NBA games. However, critics continued to target Simmons after plans were shared to keep his back healthy before the Nets game against the Nuggets.
“With Ben (Simmons), the plan is, for now, not to play in back-to-backs until we get a different update,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said.
The Nets are aiming to reduce contract load and acquire draft picks to compensate for years of wasted picks.
Cam Thomas and Kuminga: A Great Duo
Cam Thomas, now in his fourth year with the Nets, is off to a high-scoring start. He is averaging 24.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. As he develops into an all-around player, he may be key to the Nets becoming contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Adding Kuminga, who has championship experience, can provide great leadership for Thomas. Thomas has already played alongside NBA greats like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. However, there was no team success with those superstars. Playing with Kuminga, who has played with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, could offer Thomas an example of becoming not just a great player, but a championship-caliber player.
Nets On The Rise?
Going into the season, the Nets were not considered contenders. Coach Fernandez was tasked with balancing team chemistry, veterans’ expectations, developing young talent, adjusting the roster, and ensuring discipline. However, the Nets are showing on the court that they want to win while they rebuild. With rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jonathan Kuminga, the Nets are showing that they are on the radar of star players. It will be interesting to see if the rumor is true about the Nets’ possible interest in Kuminga.
