The uncertainty surrounding the Warriors attaching picks with Jonathan Kuminga for Trey Murphy III

Against the Golden State Warriors Jonathan Kuminga and New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Trey Murphy III are two of the hottest names in NBA trade rumors. The Warriors, according to multiple reports, view Kuminga as their best trade chip. If they want to add a space talent like Murphy, Kuminga will likely be part of that deal.

NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote about the latest on a potential Kuminga-Murphy trade:

“Murphy has remained a top trade target for the Warriors … Whether Golden State would be willing to part with future first-round picks and others outside of Kuminga for Murphy is unknown.”

A direct exchange between Jonathan Kuminga and Trey Murphy it won’t work because of the Warriors’ second apron situation. The former is on the books for $22.5 million, while the latter earns $25 million. The Dubs can only recoup 100% of the salary they will remit. The Murphy trade puts them $2.5 million over the cap.

The warriors Salaries also cannot be aggregated to match an incoming player’s salary, which puts Murphy out of reach. Golden State needs to add another team to get the deal done.

Multiple reports also show the Pelicans looking for at least a first-round pick for Trey Murphy. Brett Siegel isn’t sure if the Dubs will award coveted draft capital to Jonathan Kuminga to get Murphy out of New Orleans.

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Trey Murphy III, a better shooter than Jonathan Kuminga, fits Steve Kerr’s system

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in April that “a lineup with Jimmy (Butler), Jonathan (Kuminga) and Draymond (Green) doesn’t fit.” He said he would go with the veteran forwards because they were winning.

Kerr echoed the same sentiment when the season started. He confirmed that “there wasn’t much space” when he had the same trio on the floor.

This month, Steve Kerr benched a healthy Jonathan Kuminga in the Warriors’ 123-91 win over the Chicago Bulls. Again, Kerr pointed to his team’s shooting and spacing, two things Kuminga has struggled to provide.

Trey Murphy III could be the solution to the awkward fit. Murphy is a career 38.1% shooter from behind the arc. Kerr’s system is also designed for shooters like Murphy, making him a natural target the Dubs could be looking at for Kuminga.