Jonathan Kuminga is leaning toward joining the Sacramento Kings or Phoenix Suns through a sign-and-trade agreement with the Golden State Warriors, according to sources. Both teams have presented substantial offers to Golden State, including a four-year, $90 million deal with a player option in the final year, with Phoenix reportedly leading the financial bid to secure the 22-year-old forward.
The appeal of a larger contract, stability, and a defined role are key elements influencing Kuminga’s preference for the Kings and Suns over the Warriors’ proposal. The forward sees these offers as representing a new chapter, greater responsibility, and respect from his potential new teams.
Details of Offers and Warriors’ Response
Sources reveal that Kuminga favors the longer-term deals from Sacramento and Phoenix as they promise a guaranteed starting position and enhanced career control, highlighted by the presence of a player option. One insider noted,
“Kuminga prefers the longer-term offers presented by the Kings and Suns because he believes they signify a fresh start, a larger guaranteed role, a promised starting position and a greater level of respect and career control, shown in part through the player option.”
—Anthony Slater
Additionally, Phoenix’s offer is reportedly nearly $70 million more guaranteed than what the Warriors proposed.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have shown little interest in the offers from the Kings and Suns. Sacramento’s proposed sign-and-trade included second-year guard Devin Carter, forward Dario Šarić, and two second-round draft picks, though it remains unclear if the Kings presented a revised or separate proposal afterward.
Recently, the Warriors have signaled a move away from sign-and-trade negotiations, opting instead to rely on their restricted free agency leverage. According to reports, Golden State expects Kuminga to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season on either a two-year contract offer or a $7.9 million qualifying offer, depending on Kuminga’s decision. Kuminga, however, declined the Warriors’ two-year, $45 million proposal.
Kuminga’s Interactions with Kings Team and Future Outlook
Earlier this month, Kuminga held discussions with Sacramento Kings executives, including general manager Scott Perry, assistant GM B.J. Armstrong, and head coach Doug Christie. The meeting left him open to the possibility of joining the Kings, though no straightforward path has yet emerged.
The situation remains tense as the Warriors grow increasingly firm about retaining Kuminga, while he weighs the financial and career growth prospects offered by Sacramento and Phoenix.
As events develop, how this standoff resolves will significantly impact Kuminga’s trajectory and the strategic planning of all teams involved.