Sign first and then change? Experts suggest that the Warriors use the Kuminga trade to Vucevic to help Curry win the fifth championship

The 2025 NBA offseason has not yet arrived, and various trading rumors continue to pass. Isn’t this? Well-known expert Kevin Pelton made a bold suggestion, he believed that the Golden State Warriors could send Kumingga out for Chicago Bulls center Vucevic through the operation of signing first and then changing.

Vucevic's salary this season is $21.5 million, which is not a low salary in the league center. However, he has performed very well this season, playing in 73 games for the Bulls, averaging 18.5 points per game, scoring 10.1 rebounds, and sending 3.5 assists, plus 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks. The data is quite comprehensive. In terms of offensive efficiency, his shooting percentage is as high as 53%, his three-point shooting percentage is also 40.2%, and his free throws are even more accurate.

has a stable and efficient output, becoming the second highest-scoring player in the Bulls. In terms of rebounds, it is also the pillar of the Bulls, leading the team in rebounds per game.

On the offensive end, Vucevic's skills are extremely comprehensive. He can play singles at low positions in the inside. With solid steps and strong body, he often scores in the opponent's inside. At the same time, the excellent three-point shooting ability also made the opponent's defense lose one's attention, greatly opening up the team's offensive space. In terms of potential adaptability with the Warriors, these characteristics can be perfectly integrated with the small ball tactics that the Warriors are good at. Imagine that after Curry, Hilde and others attract defense, Vucevic gets an opportunity to take open positions in the inside or outside, and the scoring efficiency is simply unthinkable. The season that the Warriors just ended was not going well. They lost to the Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs and bid farewell to the championship early. The team has exposed many problems, especially the inside shortcomings. When facing the Timberwolves' double towers, they were beaten to no avail, and the inside scoring data was not ranked in the league. What about

Kuminga? As a young forward that the Warriors focus on training, it has also shown certain potential in recent seasons. Especially on the offensive end, athletic ability and enthusiasm have brought a lot of help to the team. However, when choosing the offensive timing, it takes more time to polish it. The technology is not stable enough and the positioning is not completely found in the tactical system. In short, it feels like a reckless person, which is more of a icing on the cake than a timely help.

At present, this is just the advice of expert Kevin Pelton, and neither the Warriors nor the Bulls have yet to respond. The Warriors really need change now. Curry is not young anymore, and the team has to adjust the lineup while Curry still has the strength to compete for the championship. The problem with the inside is not a day or two. Although Green is still good at defense, he is becoming increasingly unable to do so on the offensive end. If Vucevic can come, it would be different. His scoring ability can add more options to the Warriors' offense. When cooperating with outside shooters like Curry, Hilder, and Boger, the opponent's defense is no longer enough.

Kuminga has potential, but the Warriors can't afford to wait now. The team's salary space is already tight, and veterans such as Curry, Butler, and Green account for the majority, leaving only limited salary space for young players. If Kumingga renews his contract, he will definitely have to have a considerable contract, which is a lot of pressure on the Warriors. He has never been integrated into the tactical system, and sometimes even conflicts with the team's chemical reactions. Instead of spending so much, it is better to use it to exchange it for combat power, which is more helpful for the team to compete for the championship.

Although Vucevic is good, the Bulls' record has always been lukewarm. The team may also want to use this opportunity to adjust the lineup and train some young players. Although Kumingga is not experienced enough, his physical fitness and potential are there. Maybe he can realize his talent under the Bulls' large amount of ball rights?

Of course, this transaction is also risky. Vucevic is 34 years old. No one can tell whether his condition will decline. The running-in with the existing players of the Warriors is also a problem. But if the Warriors want to make another championship, it is necessary to make some changes. Vucevic's technical characteristics are very suitable for the Warriors. It depends on how the management makes a decision. Fans are eagerly looking forward to the team returning to the championship ranks next season.