Jonathan Kuminga will be the key to the Golden State Warriors‘ success toward the end of the trade season.

Assuming Jimmy Butler and Draymond continue to be off the table in trade talks, Kuminga will be used to help the Warriors upgrade their roster before a pivotal stretch of the year.

In a proposed trade created by Sports Illustrated’s Duke Demming on Tuesday, the Warriors would cut ties with Kuminga in favor of the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 6-foot-9 former All-Star. 

“The Golden State Warriors have played inconsistent basketball this season, but they remain in the playoff picture with a 26–22 record, which puts them eighth in the Western Conference,” Demming wrote.

“ Recently, the Warriors took a major blow when Jimmy Butler III was lost for the year with a torn ACL. Stephen Curry has shown he can still carry the offense in his 17th season with Golden State, but he’ll need more help if the team wants to make a run—especially after losing Butler III.”

“Evan Mobley’s emergence as a young NBA star also creates more flexibility, as the Cavaliers can play him at either power forward or center. That versatility makes it easier for Cleveland to consider moving Jarrett Allen—if the return is strong enough. With that in mind, let’s break down what a mock trade between the two teams could look like (Kuminga and a 2027 first-round pick to the Cavaliers for Allen).

Allen would be a substantial upgrade over the Warriors’ current frontcourt unit. While not a legitimate perimeter shooting threat, Allen is an impactful rim runner, viable interior defender, and elite low-post finisher who’s never shot below 58.9% from the field since joining the NBA in 2017. 

At the end of the day, the Warriors would love to acquire another superstar, but if the franchise is unwilling to trade two of their most valuable trade assets, they may have to settle for a contributor like Allen.

More NBA: Cavaliers cut ties with 22-year-old NBA Cup champion less than three months after signing him