The Sacramento Kings are not backing down in their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga. According to NBA insider Sam Amick, the Kings are deep in trade negotiations with the Golden State Warriors and have offered a package centered around Malik Monk, a protected future first-round pick, and a three-year, $63 million extension for Kuminga. But so far, the two sides remain at a stalemate.
The Warriors are holding firm in talks, reportedly demanding that Sacramento’s 2030 first-round pick come without protections, a condition the Kings have so far refused to meet. If the pick fails to convey due to lottery status, the Warriors would instead receive the least favorable of the Kings’ or Spurs’ 2031 first-round picks. While Kuminga is seen as a rising star, the gap in trade value hinges on these protections, and both sides are digging in.
Kuminga, 22, is one of the summer’s last restricted free agents (along with Cam Thomas and Josh Giddey). With just four years of experience in the league, Jonathan has limited leverage in these contract talks, but he’s using what little leverage he has to hold out for a better deal.
Despite having an inconsistent role in the rotation under Steve Kerr, Kuminga still managed to average 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 45.4% shooting last season. He was often benched for his mistakes, even receiving several DNPs during the Warriors’ playoff run in the spring.
Still, Kuminga believes he’s being undervalued by the Warriors, and the latest reports claim he’s seeking around $30 million per year on his next contract. So far, the Warriors aren’t budging on their offer to Kuminga, and now it seems they are at a deadlock in a potential sign-and-trade.
As a fringe playoff team, Sacramento doesn’t have much to lose by adding Kuminga, and their hope is that he’ll develop into a borderline All-Star with more space and a bigger role. With the Kings, Kuminga could join a revamped cast that now includes DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis. Despite giving up De’Aaron Fox, the Kings could be in shape to be competitive next season.
Unfortunately for them, the Warriors are refusing to settle for anything less than a premium package for Kuminga. While he may not be a good fit for their roster, Golden State is keeping his value sky-high on the trade market, and it’s prevented many teams from even trying to make an offer.
Whether or not the Kings and Warriors strike a deal before training camp remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kuminga’s value has become a flashpoint in Golden State’s broader rebuild. With Stephen Curry entering the twilight of his career, the Warriors are walking a delicate line between staying competitive and stockpiling assets for the future. Kuminga is one of their few remaining young pieces with star-level upside, and they’re not about to give him away for anything less than a premium return.
For Sacramento, the opportunity to land a 22-year-old forward with two-way potential is too good to pass up. Their recent moves show a clear desire to make noise in the West, and Kuminga could be the kind of athletic, defensive-minded wing they’ve long been missing. But if the Kings are truly serious, they’ll need to decide whether clinging to future protections is worth losing out on a player who could help reshape their identity.
