Warriors Have Interest in Elite Defender Amid Jonathan Kuminga Rumors

The Golden State Warriors still seem very far away from a deal with youngster Jonathan Kuminga, whether it be in a sign-and-trade or a long-term contract to keep him around. 

The Warriors could get creative in this situation, attempting to trade Kuminga in a deal that benefits them in the short and long term. 

According to a recent report from Forbes, the Warriors have expressed interest in Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings, a team the Warriors have had conversations with revolving around Kuminga.

“The Warriors recently expressed interest in Keon Ellis, who the Kings have kept off limits in ongoing sign-and-trade negotiations involving Jonathan Kuminga. Ellis, one of the most underrated 3-and-D guards, becomes eligible for a new long-term deal during the 2025-26 season” Evan Sidery wrote.

Warriors and Kings Had Discussions Regarding Kuminga

NBC Sports Bay Area reported that the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings discussed a sign-and-trade deal regarding Kuminga. However, that deal didn’t happen, and with it being a couple of weeks since it was reported, it remains uncertain just how much the Kings and Warriors have talked since. 

“The Warriors, Kings and Detroit Pistons are discussing a three-team blockbuster that would send Kuminga and veteran point guard Dennis Schröder to Sacramento in separate sign-and-trade deals, a source told NBC Sports California,” they reported.

Ellis would be an excellent fit for the Warriors, and it’s tough to deny that. 

While he may not be the star some Warriors fans are looking for, he’s an elite defender and has shown improvement offensively. He’s coming off a season in which he shot 43.3% from 3-point range, averaging 8.3 points per game. 

Ellis isn’t going to give the Warriors a ton in terms of scoring, but if he continues to shoot the 3-point shot and play high-level defense, he’d be a very great fit.

Regarding where things stand with Kuminga, as he’s the biggest name in the scenario, Jake Fischer reported that a new team has entered the sweepstakes, noting that the Phoenix Suns have called about Kuminga’s availability after waiving and stretching Bradley Beal, who just took a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Sources say Phoenix, meanwhile, is the latest team to express exploratory interest in a Kuminga sign-and-trade … challenging as it would be for the Suns to make such a deal happen. Fresh off completing a buyout of Bradley Beal this week, enabling the Suns to waive-and-stretch the hefty contract possessed by the three-time NBA All-Star guard, they have contacted both Kuminga’s representation and the Warriors to make their fondness for the bouncy swingman known,” he wrote.

What Is Holding up a Reunion Between Kuminga and the Warriors?

There are a few reasons why the Golden State Warriors haven’t offered Kuminga the money he’s seeking. According to a recent report from Fischer, the Warriors are reluctant to give him the $25 million average annual salary he’s looking for.

“His agent Aaron Turner has held numerous discussions with Warriors officials in Las Vegas, league sources tell The Stein Line, with the hope of securing a contract — even a short-term contract — that pays at least $25 million in average annual salary … whether that’s to stay with the Warriors or switch teams via sign-and-trade,” Fischer wrote on “The Stein Line” Substack newsletter on July 17.

All indications suggest that the Warriors don’t want to give him the money he’s looking for, so if they could get a player like Ellis in return, they’d likely be in a much better situation.

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