Most of the Golden State Warriors‘ offseason has been spent in contract negotiations with their restricted free agent, Jonathan Kuminga. While recent updates indicated a three-year, $75.2 million offer to the forward, the 22-year-old remains adamant in his demand for a player option.
The stalemate is expected to pave the way for further negotiations, but a recent report by The Athletic’s Sam Amick suggests that trade talks with the Sacramento Kings may see a resurgence. He wrote:
“Team sources say the Kings are under the impression that Kuminga does, in fact, want to play for them. The Warriors shut down talks with both teams earlier in the summer, but could always pick up the phone at the 11th hour.”
“As it relates to the Kings, who have offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick to the Warriors while agreeing to give Kuminga a three-year, $63 million deal, their insistence on including protections on the first-rounder remains the main obstacle to a possible deal. If the protections were dropped completely, there are some stakeholders who believe the Warriors would likely change their stance.”
Amick’s report suggests a trade could materialize if the Kings are willing to remove the protections from their first-round pick. With that in mind, while excluding Malik Monk from any potential trade proposals, we explore three realistic trades that would secure Kuminga’s move to Sacramento.
The Blockbuster Deal
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (DET/MIL/NYK)
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
This trade scenario would see the movement of two major player assets, along with relevant draft picks. With DeMar DeRozan and Jonathan Kuminga essentially switching teams, the Warriors and the Kings may both find merit in the deal.
For the Warriors, acquiring DeRozan could be a worthwhile venture. As an experienced player with proven scoring ability, Golden State may view the veteran guard as a solid addition to the rotation.
Last season, the 36-year-old averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range.
Considering his style of play, DeRozan may end up clashing next to Jimmy Butler, similar to Kuminga. But having a solid veteran in the second unit to replace Butler and sustain the offense could prove to be a positive shift for Golden State.
In this regard, the first-round and second-round picks appear to sweeten the deal.
The Kings’ interest in Kuminga has been noted for some time. With reports suggesting that they even perceive him as a future All-Star and intend to give him a more significant role, both Sacramento and the forward could benefit from this move.
The 22-year-old needs the room to grow. In a rotation with Zach LaVine, Dennis Schroder, and Domantas Sabonis, Kuminga could have ample opportunities to improve.
Last season, the forward averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 45.4% shooting from the field and 30.5% shooting from three-point range. Considering his shot-making talent and impressive offensive skill set, in the right conditions, Kuminga could potentially transform into a franchise player for the Kings, too.
The Simple Deal
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, 2027 first-round pick
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
This trade proposal is not as eye-catching as the previous one, but it could have more benefits for both teams involved.
The Kings still get their target, a gifted forward with enough upside to transform into a franchise player. However, this deal sees much more benefit for the Warriors from a role and a cap space perspective.
If Amick’s report is to be considered, the Kings’ deal would see Kuminga earn roughly $21 million annually. This would have a significant impact on Golden State’s cap, which is already overloaded with significant contracts.
Acquiring Keegan Murray and Devin Carter would have multiple benefits in this regard.
Murray has proven himself as a capable three-point shooter and a flexible defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
Last season, Murray saw a dip in his production, as he averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. His perimeter shooting efficiency also took a hit, as he shot 34.3% on 5.9 three-pointers attempted per game.
Murray’s drop-off in output could be partly attributed to Sacramento’s system last season. Given his skill set, he meets all the criteria for becoming a solid rotation piece on the Warriors. In the team’s motion offense, Murray could also see a resurgence in form.
Meanwhile, Devin Carter’s addition could be viewed with some doubt. His performance last season was limited due to an injury, resulting in unimpressive averages of 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. But considering his potential as a defensive-minded guard with two-way upside, the Warriors could take a chance on him.
From a salary perspective, this trade has more significance to the Warriors’ future deals. By acquiring Murray and Carter, with combined salaries of approximately $16 million, the Dubs would be saving about $5 million in cap space.
This could be crucial in helping them sign key free agent targets this summer.
The Three-Team Deal
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors: Terance Mann, Devin Carter, 2027 first-round pick (SAC), 2026 second-round pick (BKN)
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2028 second-round pick (BKN via MEM)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: DeMar DeRozan
The three-team trade proposal is based on the Warriors’ limited interest in directly acquiring some of Sacramento’s trade assets. Considering Sacramento excluded Murray and Keon Ellis from trade conversations, the Kings would need to bring in a third team to facilitate a trade with Golden State.
The Brooklyn Nets possess significant draft assets, which could intrigue the Warriors to complete this deal. With the addition of a reliable two-way player like Terance Mann in the package, to go with Devin Carter and two first-round picks, the Dubs may be swayed to part ways with Kuminga.
Acquiring Mann and Carter has merit in improving Golden State’s backcourt depth, particularly their defense. While Carter’s is unproven, Mann has showcased his talents on both ends of the floor.
Last season with the Atlanta Hawks, Mann averaged 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds, while shooting 54.1% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. Although his defensive impact has reduced in recent years, he is still capable enough to earn a place in the main rotation.
The Nets also benefit from this deal by acquiring DeRozan. By pairing the veteran guard with Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas, the Nets could boast an exciting starting offensive unit.
Should The Warriors Retain Kuminga?
Jonathan Kuminga has expressed his desire to leave the Bay Area, something that was reported earlier in the offseason. Regardless, the Golden State Warriors have shown an inclination to retain him, primarily driven by the interests of the team’s ownership.
While it would be advisable for the team to part ways with the forward, primarily as a means of maintaining balance in the locker room, it seems more likely that he will stay. Given how negotiations have progressed, however, it seems more likely that he will sign the qualifying offer.
