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Warriors predicted to acquire $25 million Jazz forward via stunning Jonathan Kuminga swap

The Golden State Warriors have not made plenty of progress on the Jonathan Kuminga trade front in the early stages of the 2025 NBA offseason.

Golden State's 22-year-old forward and former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has had a tumultuous experience this summer, as it appears the restricted free agent market has stagnated.

Kuminga contributed 20.8 points on a 60.0% effective field goal percentage during the Warriors' second-round 2025 NBA Playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, making him an intriguing potential addition for prospective teams looking to add a high-upside forward with an improving offensive game.

As the Warriors' front office and general manager Mike Dunleavy continue to weigh their options with regard to a potential sign-and-trade deal to ship Kuminga away, one NBA writer believes that the franchise could acquire an underrated wing replacement from the Utah Jazz in exchange for the 6-foot-8 combo-forward.

"The Utah Jazz, having recently opened up extra cap space, have emerged as a relatively new suitor for Kuminga, and they could provide the perfect player, 21-year-old Taylor Hendricks, in return for the dynamic scorer," FanSided's G.C. Bellchamber wrote Tuesday.

"However, last season, Hendricks was limited to just three games as a result of a gruesome leg injury."

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"Yet, if the Jazz were willing to part with one of their numerous first-round picks, Hendricks could easily take on the rebounding and defending role that the Warriors have envisioned for Kuminga while simultaneously granting the franchise the financial flexibility they need to enhance other aspects of the roster."

"While it may seem like Golden State would be settling for less than Kuminga's worth in any of the potential deals floating about, a deal with the Jazz could be the best case scenario."

Though the 21-year-old Taylor Hendricks did suffer a season-ending fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle on Oct. 28, 2024 against the Dallas Mavericks, the 6-foot-9 power forward proved to be a versatile defender with a consistent three-point shot during his rookie campaign in 2023-24.

Hendricks only took part in 40 games after being selected with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft in his debut season, but he was able to contribute 7.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks while connecting on 37.9% of his looks from distance.

As a prospective addition for the Warriors in a shocking Kuminga sign-and-trade deal, Hendricks could fit in perfectly alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green as a competent and rangy 3-and-D forward.

If all goes well with Hendricks' rehab process, he could become a target for Golden State in the very near future.