Before Paul George agreed to sign a massive deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Golden State Warriors were in talks to acquire him in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, but they reportedly didn't want to give up their best young player to get him.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers asked for forward Jonathan Kuminga to be included in a deal for George, but the Warriors "resisted because Kuminga is so important to their own future."

Shelburne explained that Golden State "offered multiple combinations of expiring contracts, young players and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick" for George, but Los Angeles countered by asking for Kuminga to be included in the deal. The Warriors also felt like dealing away Kuminga would make them a less attractive destination, as Shelburne noted "they worried George wouldn't be as interested in joining them if they gave up too much to get him."

The No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, Kuminga emerged as a key contributor for Golden State in his third season. He recorded career highs across the board with averages of 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 74 games with 46 starts. The 21-year-old is believed to have more untapped potential that the Warriors are hoping he unlocks next season and beyond.

Golden State is facing significant changes this offseason, as star shooting guard Klay Thompson is departing the team to join the Dallas Mavericks through a sign-and-trade. The loss of Thompson marks the end of the Splash Bros era, so the Warriors will need to add more talent around star point guard Stephen Curry to return to title contention in 2024-25.

Retaining Kuminga is a step in the right direction for Golden State, but there is more work to be done this offseason after losing out on the chance to acquire George.