TRADE OVERVIEW:

Golden State Warriors received: Cameron Johnson

Brooklyn Nets received: Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade), 2027 Lottery-Protected First-Round Pick

SIGNINGS:

Brook Lopez signs a 1-year deal/$8.8m

Gary Payton II re-signs on a 1-year deal/$3.3M.

TRADE EXPLANATION:

Warriors – Golden State finally moves on from Kuminga and brings in someone who just fits better in their system. Cam Johnson isn’t a star, but he’s one of the best role players in the league right now. He’s averaging 19 points per game, shooting 39% from three on 7 attempts a night, and he knows how to move without the ball. Cam’s presence gives them a legit shooter with size, which they’ve been missing, especially in the non-Steph minutes. In my opinion, this would be a trade that can really make them prioritize the final seasons of curry. Then they grabbed Brook Lopez, a proven stretch five and one of the best rim protectors in the league, even at his age. Yeah, he’s 37, but he can still give you 1–2 solid seasons of veteran presence, floor spacing, and that good defense. Re-signed GP2 for defense and chemistry purposes.

Nets – Brooklyn took a swing here. Jonathan Kuminga is only 22 years old and flashes real All-Star potential when he’s given the keys. The Nets aren’t trying to compete right now, so they’re giving him space to grow. they got a lottery protected pick as well just for enticing this deal since they are giving kuminga a long term big money. This move is all about building for the future, and getting a young, two-way forward like Kuminga is a great move, especially for a team without a clear star.

PROJECTED ROTATION

PG: Stephen Curry

SG: Brandin Podziemski

SF: Jimmy Butler

PF: Draymond Green

C: Brook Lopez

PG: Gary Payton II

SG: Buddy Hield

SF: Moses Moody

PF: Cameron Johnson

C: Trayce Jackson-Davis / Quinten Post