The Jonathan Kuminga offseason trade update centers on the young forward’s preference to join the Sacramento Kings as the Golden State Warriors work to retain him. Throughout this offseason, conversations between teams have stalled, with the Warriors declining existing offers and Kuminga reportedly showing a clear desire to head to Sacramento.
The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have emerged as the leading contenders looking to acquire Kuminga this offseason. Despite ongoing negotiations, no agreement has been reached yet, largely because the Warriors remain unsatisfied with the proposed trade packages. Most discussions are focused on a sign-and-trade arrangement, but key conditions have yet to be met.
Kuminga’s Clear Intentions Favor Sacramento Kings Over Other Suitors
According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, Kuminga has been actively engaging with the Kings’ management and coaching staff, signaling strong interest in joining their roster. Spears shared:
“He wants to go. The Kings are offering a starting spot at power forward next to Keegan Murray, next to Sabonis. He’s talked on a Zoom call with Scott Perry, BJ Armstrong, and also with the head coach. So he’s in. He wants to go there, but the Warriors don’t like the first.” —Marc Spears, ESPN
The “first” mentioned refers to the conditional first-round draft pick included in Sacramento’s trade offer. The Warriors have made it clear that they expect an unprotected first-round pick as part of any deal involving Kuminga. Without this, Golden State is hesitant to finalize a trade.
Additionally, the Warriors have shown reservations towards a trade package involving Devin Carter, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, reducing his appeal to the Dubs. Instead, Golden State has expressed interest in Keon Ellis, but the Kings are unwilling to trade Ellis or Keegan Murray, both valuable assets, which complicates negotiations further.
Sun Offers With Draft Picks and Role Players Have Not Met Warriors’ Expectations
While the Kings have taken the lead, the Phoenix Suns remain active bidders in the pursuit of Kuminga. The Suns have reportedly revised their proposal to include Royce O’Neal and Nick Richards, along with four second-round draft picks. This package offers depth with a versatile wing defender and a reliable big man, plus multiple picks. Despite these additions, Spears noted the Warriors did not find the offer sufficiently attractive:
Current talks stay at an impasse as the Warriors hold firm in demanding a more valuable return, underscoring their intent to preserve the team’s core unless proper compensation arrives. Kuminga’s intent to sit tight and wait for a favorable outcome further slows other offseason moves for the Warriors.
Contract Details and Kuminga’s Negotiation Power Create Uncertainty
Kuminga’s preference for a move to the Kings is boosted by the contract terms reportedly extended by Sacramento. As per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Kings’ offer totals four years for $90 million with a player option in the final year, contrasting with the Warriors’ two-year, $40 million deal containing a team option. This greater security and longer commitment may be a significant factor in Kuminga’s considerations.
Unlike most restricted free agents, Kuminga holds more influence in this process by expressing preferences and showing patience, a situation that complicates the Warriors’ efforts. His stance causes a ripple effect, as the Warriors’ offseason decisions remain on hold pending the resolution of this trade saga.
Despite Kuminga’s expressed willingness to leave, Golden State retains control over whether the trade proceeds. So far, the franchise appears optimistic about retaining the young forward, given their rejection of all current trade offers. Which way this standoff ultimately breaks will be a key storyline as the NBA offseason continues to unfold.