The Sacramento Kings may soon add two significant players to their roster as speculation grows about a trade involving nine-time <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook and Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. This possibility emerged during the 2025 offseason, with insiders suggesting both athletes could join forces in Sacramento to boost the team‘s performance.
Discussions on The Dave Carmichael Show on Sactown 1140am revealed that acquiring Westbrook might depend heavily on securing Kuminga as part of the same deal, indicating the two moves are intricately linked in the Kings’ plans.
Insight into How Sacramento Might Acquire Both Players
Hosts Dave Carmichael and Jason Ross debated the feasibility of landing the two players simultaneously. Carmichael emphasized that Westbrook’s addition likely would require Kuminga’s arrival as well, highlighting a package deal approach. Ross posed a question about roster space, noting the Kings’ backcourt is already crowded and adding Westbrook without losing a guard could be complicated.
Carmichael responded with the possibility that unless another deal surfaces, the current negotiation framework likely involves both Westbrook and Kuminga together, suggesting the Kings see a dual acquisition as essential for their offseason objectives.
These insights came amid reports that Sacramento views obtaining both Westbrook and Kuminga as an ideal scenario for strengthening their roster and playoff prospects. Yet, Golden State Warriors appear to be hindering Sacramento’s strategy by shutting down sign-and-trade discussions concerning Kuminga, opting to keep the 22-year-old forward for the upcoming season.
Kuminga’s Preference and Golden State’s Hesitation
Jonathan Kuminga reportedly prefers a move to Sacramento, motivated in part by the Kings’ promise of a starting position next to power forwards Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. ESPN’s Marc Stein noted that Kuminga participated in Zoom calls with Kings general manager Scott Perry, assistant GM BJ Armstrong, and head coach Doug Christie, signaling serious interest on both sides.
Despite Kuminga’s desire to leave Golden State for Sacramento, the Warriors remain unimpressed by the compensation offers from Sacramento or Phoenix, two teams emerging as front-runners in the Kuminga trade talks.
Stein further explained that the Warriors are reluctant to part with Kuminga for a first-round pick or the Suns’ proposed package, which includes Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and several second-round picks, signaling stalled negotiations.
Dream Scenario and Future Implications for the Kings
If Sacramento manages to complete the trade acquiring both Westbrook and Kuminga, it could reshape the team’s lineup and strategic approach significantly. Adding Westbrook brings veteran leadership and playmaking experience, while Kuminga offers youthful athleticism and versatility, potentially addressing multiple team needs.
However, the complexity of these transactions and the Warriors’ resistance to trading Kuminga indicate that Sacramento faces challenges ahead in finalizing the deal. Should the Kings succeed, the combined skill sets of Westbrook and Kuminga could impact Sacramento’s competitiveness in the upcoming NBA season and alter their postseason outlook.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as negotiations unfold, with the Kings’ front office working to align the roster construction with their ambitions. The trade’s outcome could serve as a defining moment for Sacramento’s journey in the 2025 NBA campaign.