Blockbuster 3-Team Trade Idea: Kessler and Kuminga to Lakers, Warriors Reboot Frontcourt with Hachimura and New Bigs
In what could be one of the most intriguing trade ideas of the offseason, a three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz could shake up the Western Conference. The proposed framework sends Walker Kessler and Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers, Rui Hachimura to the Warriors, and additional pieces shuffling between the Jazz and Warriors to balance salaries and roles—ultimately giving each team a chance to align better with its long-term and short-term goals.
The Proposed Trade Framework:
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
- Walker Kessler (from Jazz)
- Jonathan Kuminga (from Warriors)
Golden State Warriors receive:
- Rui Hachimura (from Lakers)
- Kelly Olynyk (from Jazz or FA rights)
- Backup center (Jazz asset or free agent via trade exception)
Utah Jazz receive:
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (from Lakers)
- Moses Moody or salary filler (from Warriors)
- 2029 First-Round Pick (via Lakers)
- 2027 Second-Round Pick (via Warriors)
Why the Lakers Do It
The Lakers are aiming to maximize LeBron James’ remaining years while preparing for a post-LeBron future. This trade does both.
Walker Kessler, one of the best young rim protectors in the NBA, instantly improves the Lakers’ interior defense—something they struggled with when Anthony Davis sat. His affordable contract and ability to anchor the paint make him an ideal long-term center to pair with AD or lead the defense once Davis transitions to power forward more consistently.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga provides the Lakers with a dynamic forward who’s just 21 but already has playoff experience and significant upside. Kuminga’s athleticism, slashing ability, and defensive versatility make him a valuable piece next to LeBron and AD—while also being a bridge to the next era of Lakers basketball.
Why the Warriors Do It
Golden State appears to be entering a transitional period. With Klay Thompson gone and Chris Paul already waived, the Warriors are looking to stay competitive while refreshing their roster around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Rui Hachimura brings size, scoring, and positional flexibility to the Warriors’ forward rotation. He fits their system better than Kuminga at this stage due to his off-ball movement and midrange scoring. Hachimura’s playoff performances with the Lakers have shown he can step up under pressure—a must in Golden State’s championship culture.
Additionally, acquiring a stretch big like Kelly Olynyk helps replace some of the shooting lost with Klay’s departure and improves the Warriors’ floor spacing. The addition of a second center, either via trade or using a trade exception, ensures they remain solid in the frontcourt without relying solely on the aging Kevon Looney or the oft-injured Draymond Green to play small-ball center full time.
Why the Jazz Do It
The Jazz are continuing their rebuild and have no pressing need to retain Kessler if they can extract future assets in return. In this deal, they add Jalen Hood-Schifino, a former first-round pick with upside as a lead guard, and either Moses Moody or another young piece from the Warriors.
The two picks—one first-rounder from the Lakers and a second-rounder from the Warriors—give Utah more ammunition to continue building through the draft. Danny Ainge, known for stockpiling picks, would likely be intrigued by this kind of return for a player like Kessler who, while promising, isn’t irreplaceable.
Final Thoughts
This trade allows all three franchises to move toward their goals in logical ways. The Lakers get younger and more athletic while boosting their rim protection. The Warriors get win-now depth and shooting around Curry. The Jazz deepen their asset pool while focusing on development.
It’s the kind of bold, multi-team move that could define the Western Conference’s balance of power for years to come.