Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5M deal with Golden State, with a second-year team option, keeping his fate in flux: a trade or a breakout season are both on the table for a team chasing a title. The Warriors’ space-and-playmaking puzzle tightens as Horford joins, Curry remains the gravity, and Kuminga’s drive could either unlock a late-season swing or serve as prime trade bait.

Role questions linger: start him or maximize his strengths off the bench to boost his trade value? Kerr has hinted at mixing lineups with Butler, and Kuminga’s aggression when attacked could be a game-changer if he buys into a high-leverage, space-friendly role. A strong start could push him into Sixth Man of the Year chatter, while a misfit path could drag his value down.

Overall, Kuminga’s presence matters more than the cap hit. He’s the Warriors’ most explosive creator on a veteran-heavy roster. If he clicks, Golden State could tilt from contender to championship favorite; if not, the door remains open for a strategic pivot before the trade deadline.

The Dallas Mavericks rolled out a star powered media day, pairing Anthony Davis with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and a mix of seasoned playmakers and rising talents. The portraits highlighted a versatile, fantasy ready rotation led by Davis in the frontcourt alongside Irving and Thompson, with Lively II, Cissé and a fungible group of wings and guards ready to contribute across multiple stats.

Dallas showcased depth from Danté Exum, D'Angelo Russell and Dennis Smith Jr. to rookie-like movers such as Cooper Flagg and Ryan Nembhard, signaling a lineup built for pace, spacing and multi-cat production. The day pointed to a balanced approach under Vogel that could unlock consistent fantasy floors and big week-to-week upside.

Dallas navigates Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury with a January return in view, turning to a retooled lineup anchored by Cooper Flagg alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively and D’Angelo Russell. The No.1 pick’s arrival adds front-court depth as Dallas plots a playoff bid in 2025-26.

A September team-bonding camp led by Thompson signals chemistry-building for the season ahead. Irving’s ANTA Kai 2 “Klay” colorway drop reinforces the duo’s branding and on-court synergy as Dallas maps a path back to the Finals mix with a healthier backcourt.