The Sacramento Kings have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga for weeks now, as the Golden State Warriors weigh their options on a potential sign-and-trade. A recent in-person meeting added fuel to the fire, but since then, there’s been little movement. No new rumors. No new traction.
But that hasn’t stopped trade machine season from spinning.
In a new column by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, one of the proposed scenarios sends Kuminga to the Kings in a four-team blockbuster involving the Warriors, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz.
Here’s how the deal would look:
Sacramento Kings receive
– Jonathan Kuminga (4-year, $112 million contract with ~$25 million Year 1 base compensation)
Golden State Warriors receive
– Devin Carter
– Haywood Highsmith
– SAC 2027 1st-round pick (Top-8 protected)
Miami Heat receive
– Malik Monk
– KJ Martin
Utah Jazz receive
– Terry Rozier
– MIA 2029 1st-round pick swap (more favorable to Utah)
– CHA 2027 2nd-round pick (via MIA)
Golden State Would Be Cashing Out on Kuminga
Right away, this deal stands in sharp contrast to previous mock-ups. The Kings’ last reported package for Kuminga included Carter, Dario Saric, and draft compensation. But in this version, Monk goes out instead of Saric — a massive change in both value and cap mechanics.
Monk is set to earn $18.8 million next season, compared to Saric’s $5.4 million. That matters, because Kuminga’s sign-and-trade value will land somewhere around $25–30 million annually. Swapping Monk in helps the Kings meet salary-matching requirements, clearing a cleaner path to acquiring Kuminga without gutting their depth.
And Sacramento’s depth chart is another factor. With both Carter and Monk exiting in this deal, the Kings solve a looming logjam at the two-guard spot. That opens the door for a potential Russell Westbrook signing — a rumor that’s refused to go away this offseason.
They’d also hold on to Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray, two players Golden State has reportedly asked for. That makes the deal more palatable from Sacramento’s side. Giving up Monk, Carter, and a protected pick isn’t nothing — but none of the three are franchise cornerstones.
Warriors Get Flexibility, Kings Get the Best Player
Getty Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal playoffs.
This trade is clearly a bet on Kuminga. He’s the best player in the deal — and arguably the one with the most upside. Sacramento would be going all-in on potential, hoping that a new system and expanded role helps the 21-year-old thrive.
Golden State, meanwhile, would be cashing out. A young, unproven guard (Carter), a solid defensive wing (Highsmith), and a lightly protected pick don’t move the needle now — but they do give the Warriors long-term flexibility. And at this point in the offseason, that might be the most realistic return they can expect.
For Miami, Monk adds real value as a scorer and playmaker, especially in bench-heavy lineups. And Utah, unsurprisingly, walks away with more draft assets — Danny Ainge’s favorite currency.
It’s a complicated deal with many moving parts. But for the Kings, this is the kind of high-stakes swing that could reshape their timeline. If they believe in Kuminga, this might be the cleanest way to get him.
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