The Golden State Warriors are reportedly unwilling to include Buddy Hield or Moses Moody in any potential sign-and-trade deal for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.1 This stance has been a significant obstacle in trade talks with other teams, like the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, who have shown interest in Kuminga.2 The Warriors’ reluctance to part with Hield and Moody indicates they value both players’ contributions and see them as important parts of the team’s future, especially given the young age and team-friendly contracts of Moody.3
The Standoff Over Jonathan Kuminga
The situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga has been one of the most talked-about storylines of the NBA offseason. As a restricted free agent, Kuminga can receive an offer sheet from any team, and the Warriors then have the right to match it or let him go. With most teams lacking the necessary cap space to make a significant offer, a sign-and-trade has emerged as the most likely avenue for Kuminga to leave Golden State. This type of deal involves the Warriors signing Kuminga and then immediately trading him to another team.
The Warriors have been in discussions with several teams, most notably the Sacramento Kings, who have reportedly offered a package centered on Malik Monk and a protected first-round draft pick.4 However, these discussions have hit a snag. The Warriors are reportedly holding firm on two key points: they want an unprotected first-round pick in return, and they don’t want to include either Buddy Hield or Moses Moody in the trade package.
The Value of Hield and Moody
The Warriors’ unwillingness to include Buddy Hield and Moses Moody in a potential trade for Kuminga speaks volumes about how they view their current roster. While Hield is a veteran, Moody is still a young player, but both are seen as crucial components of the team’s rotation.
Buddy Hield, an experienced marksman, provides a specific skill set that the Warriors value: elite three-point shooting. He joined the team before last season and, despite some inconsistencies, is seen as a valuable offensive weapon who can space the floor for stars like Stephen Curry.5 His presence gives the Warriors another scoring threat and helps keep opposing defenses honest.
Moses Moody, on the other hand, represents the young core of the Warriors’ future.6 He’s a versatile player who can defend multiple positions and has shown steady improvement in his offensive game. Moody is on a team-friendly contract and is considered a valuable asset for his potential and ability to contribute on both ends of the court. His age and contract status make him an ideal player to develop within the Warriors’ system, and the team seems determined to keep him as a part of their long-term plans.
The Warriors’ stance suggests they view the combination of Hield and Moody as more valuable to their championship aspirations than the uncertain future of a disgruntled Kuminga, whose relationship with the coaching staff has been a topic of discussion. While Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance, the team appears to prioritize the known value and complementary skills of Hield and Moody, who are both seen as a better fit for the team’s overall system and culture.
