Kings Renew Trade Talks to Land Kuminga Before Season

With NBA training camp just five days away, the Sacramento Kings have revived efforts to acquire Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, exploring a sign-and-trade that could reshape the team’s roster.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic that while progress has been limited, Sacramento remains committed to bringing the 22-year-old forward to California’s capital.

“While the two teams went more than a month without discussing the matter during the later part of the summer, team sources said the talks between the two sides were renewed earlier this week,” Amick reported on Wednesday. “And while no significant progress was made, it’s notable that the Kings — who have offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick for the chance to give Kuminga a three-year, $63 million deal — aren’t giving up on bringing him to Sacramento this season.”

Sacramento views Kuminga as a versatile forward capable of stepping into a starting role, providing athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring potential to complement their young core.

Kings’ Offer on the Table

Sacramento’s current proposal reportedly includes veteran guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick, paired to offer Kuminga a three-year, $63 million deal. Earlier offers involved Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks before the Kings upgraded to Monk and the protected first-rounder.

Kuminga’s camp has expressed strong interest in Sacramento, citing the opportunity for a starting role and consistent minutes. After a Zoom meeting with Kings GM Scott Perry, assistant GM BJ Armstrong, and assistant coach Doug Christie, Kuminga concluded that Sacramento is the best fit for his development and playing style.

“He wants to go [to Sacramento],” Andscape’s Marc J. Spears reported in August. “The Kings are offering a starting spot, as the power forward, next to Keegan Murray and [Domantas] Sabonis.”

Obstacles to a Deal

Getty Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

Despite the mutual interest, several hurdles remain. Monk’s contract includes a $21.5 million player option for 2027-28, a figure that conflicts with Golden State’s long-term salary flexibility. There is also uncertainty regarding whether Monk could be routed to a third team to facilitate the deal, according to Amick.

Additionally, the Warriors are reluctant to part with Moses Moody or Buddy Hield, both of whom are considered integral to the team’s future. Sources indicate that the Golden State’s preference to retain Hield and Moody has complicated trade negotiations.

Kuminga has rejected the Warriors’ latest offer — a three-year, $75.2 million contract with $48.3 million guaranteed over the first two seasons — citing the absence of a player option in the final year. His camp has made clear that securing the player option and moving to a team where he can start are top priorities.

Impact on Sacramento’s Future

If completed, the trade would give the Kings a dynamic, high-upside forward capable of contributing immediately, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in the Western Conference. Adding Kuminga alongside Murray and Sabonis would strengthen Sacramento’s starting lineup while providing flexibility and depth.

The potential Kuminga acquisition also underscores the Kings’ commitment to building around a young core, signaling a willingness to invest in long-term talent to complement their emerging stars. The move could accelerate the development of Sacramento’s roster and make it a more formidable playoff contender.

Countdown to Training Camp

With training camp imminent, the Kuminga standoff may be resolved in the coming days, potentially setting the stage for Sacramento to begin the season with a key piece in place. The outcome of these talks could shape not only the Kings’ lineup but also their trajectory in the 2025-26 campaign.

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