The Warriors refuse to trade Jonathan Kuminga to the Raptors in exchange for Pascal Siakam

The Golden State Warriors are interested in acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. However, the Dubs don’t want to part ways with Jonathan Kuminga, according to NBA insider Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

Kuminga is said to have a very close relationship with Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

“Still, according to multiple sources, the Warriors are loathe to trade Kuminga, who is seen as a potential star who can help them win now and in the future, the rare piece on the roster who can help Golden State both support Steph Curry in the present and transition to a successful post-Curry future, should it ever come,” Grange wrote. “And a not insignificant detail is that Kuminga is said to have a very close relationship with Warriors owner Joe Lacob who has historically been reluctant to part with any of the young talent that represents the Warriors’ so-called ‘two-timelines’ strategy of meshing a group of young draftees with their established championship core.”

The Warriors drafted Kuminga with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kuminga is averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 50.2% from the field, 27.3% from beyond the arc and 70.0% from the free-throw line.

A two-time All-Star, Siakam is averaging 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 52.3% from the floor, 29.7% from 3 and 75.5% from the foul line. The NBA champion becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

NBA insiders Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that Kuminga has lost faith in Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga is making $6 million this season, while Siakam is making $37.9 million.

Any team that trades for Siakam this season can only offer him a two-year extension.