With training camp just five days away, the stalemate between the Golden State Warriors and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga could be headed to a sign-and-trade.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Warriors and Sacramento Kings have renewed discussions over the 22-year-old forward, who has yet to reach an agreement with Golden State.
“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.”
Kings’ Offers Evolve
Sacramento initially proposed a package including Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks. The offer later escalated to Monk and a protected first-round pick, coupled with the three-year, $63 million deal for Kuminga.
The Kings were one of two teams seriously pursuing a sign-and-trade for the forward this offseason. The other was the Phoenix Suns, who offered the Warriors Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, all available second-round picks, and a four-year, $90 million deal.
Obstacles Remain
Getty Moses Moody and Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors high five during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets.
Several obstacles remain in a potential deal with Sacramento. Golden State has expressed reluctance to acquire Monk due to his $21.5 million player option for the 2027-28 season, which conflicts with the Warriors’ long-term financial flexibility. Fit concerns also persist.
Amick notes a potential workaround would involve rerouting Monk to a third team, but the feasibility of that solution remains uncertain. Additionally, the Warriors are hesitant to part with Moses Moody or Buddy Hield, both of whom they value and would likely need to trade to remain under the salary cap’s first apron and sign other veteran free agents.
Kuminga Holds Firm
Kuminga has rejected Golden State’s latest offer, which grew from a two-year, $45 million deal with a team option to a three-year, $75.2 million proposal guaranteeing $48.3 million over the first two seasons. The sticking point remains Kuminga’s desire for a player option in the final year — an issue his agent, Aaron Turner, contends is about more than money.
While the Warriors weigh options, Kuminga has expressed a strong preference to leave the team. In August, Marc J. Spears of Andscape reported the forward sees Sacramento as his top destination. After a Zoom meeting with Kings GM Scott Perry, assistant GM BJ Armstrong, and assistant coach Doug Christie, Kuminga was reportedly convinced the Kings were the right fit.
“He wants to go [to Sacramento],” Spears said on ESPN’s NBA Today. “The Kings are offering a starting spot as power forward next to Keegan Murray and [Domantas] Sabonis.”
Warriors’ Dilemma
Golden State faces a delicate balancing act: securing Kuminga under team-friendly terms while maintaining roster flexibility and keeping key players. With training camp imminent, the next few days may determine whether Kuminga remains in Golden State or embarks on a new chapter with Sacramento.
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