The reported trade between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings involving Jonathan Kuminga has sparked widespread conversation, but as of now, no official confirmation has been released by either team or the league. The details emerging from league sources suggest that the Kings are pursuing Kuminga by offering veteran forward Dario Šarić, rookie guard Devin Carter, and a future second-round draft pick. However, this offer has reportedly been met with skepticism and hesitation by the Warriors, who value Kuminga significantly higher than the assets being offered in return.
Jonathan Kuminga, selected by the Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been one of the more intriguing young prospects in the league. With his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and emerging offensive game, Kuminga represents a rare mix of potential and immediate impact. At only 22 years old, he has shown consistent improvement in his offensive efficiency, especially around the rim and in transition. The Warriors view him as a possible cornerstone for their post-Stephen Curry era, which explains their reluctance to move him for what they see as a limited return.
On the other side, Sacramento’s interest in Kuminga makes strategic sense. The Kings are in a transitional phase, having missed the playoffs and showing signs of a roster that may need retooling. Bringing in Kuminga would inject youth and explosiveness into their forward rotation and potentially give them a long-term starter with All-Star upside. However, the package they’ve reportedly proposed—Saric, a second-round pick, and Devin Carter—is widely seen around the league as insufficient. Dario Šarić, while a skilled veteran, is 30 years old and has played for several teams in recent years without making a lasting impact. He did have a brief stint with the Warriors in the 2023–2024 season, but his role was limited, and his impact off the bench was modest. His inclusion in the trade is likely salary filler rather than a centerpiece.
Devin Carter, the Kings’ 2024 first-round draft pick, had a quiet rookie campaign. Though he showed defensive tenacity and a high motor, his offensive game is still developing, and he’s not considered a blue-chip prospect. In Golden State’s eyes, he doesn’t yet project as a high-impact player, at least not at the level required to justify giving up Kuminga. The inclusion of only a future second-round pick adds to the perception that the Kings are lowballing their offer.
The Warriors, according to multiple insiders including those from The Athletic and NBC Sports Bay Area, “balked” at the offer. Their front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., is reportedly holding firm on their valuation of Kuminga. They are said to be looking for either a high-upside young player with proven NBA minutes or a package that includes a future first-round pick, not a couple of fringe assets. They’re under no pressure to make a deal immediately since Kuminga is a restricted free agent, and they can match any offer he receives on the open market. This gives them leverage and time to wait for a better offer, either from Sacramento or another interested team.
The Kings’ cap situation complicates matters further. After acquiring Dennis Schröder in a separate sign-and-trade earlier in the offseason, Sacramento has limited cap flexibility and may not be able to match what Kuminga will command on the open market. Analysts believe his next contract could be in the \$20–25 million per year range. With the Kings now potentially hard-capped, adding Kuminga without unloading additional salary may be challenging. That makes it more difficult for them to sweeten the current offer without involving a third team or cutting costs elsewhere.
Despite all the noise, league insiders say talks between the teams have not progressed. The term “zero traction” has been used to describe the current state of negotiations. While the Kings remain interested, they appear unwilling to go beyond their original offer. One report even suggests they’re prepared to walk away entirely rather than overpay for Kuminga. The Warriors, for their part, are content to wait and see if a more compelling offer materializes from another team.
Other teams rumored to be interested include the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, and New Orleans Pelicans. Each of these teams has young assets or draft capital that could entice Golden State, and it’s possible the Warriors are quietly shopping Kuminga to gauge what they can get in return. From a competitive standpoint, it would be easier for the Warriors to trade Kuminga to an Eastern Conference team rather than a division rival like the Kings, which further complicates Sacramento’s pursuit.
Fans have also weighed in heavily on the situation. Golden State supporters have largely criticized the proposed trade package, with many describing it as an insult. Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from sarcastic disbelief to outright anger. One fan remarked, “As a Warriors fan, I think JK’s awful and even I would never in a million years trade him for Saric and Carter,” capturing the sentiment of many who believe the Warriors would be making a grave mistake by accepting the deal.
From a roster-building perspective, the Warriors are entering a crucial period. With Klay Thompson now gone and Draymond Green aging, they need to find young talent to support Curry or eventually carry the franchise forward. Kuminga fits that mold better than almost anyone currently on their roster. Trading him for a package that does not move the needle could have long-term repercussions, both on the court and in the front office’s credibility with the fan base.
It’s also worth noting that Kuminga himself has expressed frustration with his role in Golden State in the past. There have been rumblings for over a year that he wants a more consistent role, and this trade interest might partially stem from his camp signaling a desire for a new environment. However, Golden State’s coaching staff has spoken highly of his work ethic and growth, suggesting that if he stays, he’ll be given more opportunities moving forward. A move to Sacramento might offer him a starting role immediately, but only if the Kings can put together an offer the Warriors are willing to accept.
As of now, the situation remains fluid but unresolved. Sacramento made an opening bid, but it was firmly rejected. Golden State isn’t actively shopping Kuminga, but they are open to listening—provided the return reflects his potential value. Sacramento is reportedly unwilling to include Keegan Murray or a first-round pick in any deal, and that might ultimately end the conversation. With the restricted free agency period unfolding, the next few days could bring clarity. If Kuminga signs an offer sheet elsewhere, Golden State will have to decide quickly whether to match or pursue a sign-and-trade.
In the end, this proposed trade is a reflection of two teams at different crossroads. Sacramento wants to make a bold move without paying a bold price. Golden State is trying to balance its competitive present with its uncertain future. For now, there’s no deal, and unless something changes—either in the offer or in the Warriors’ evaluation of Kuminga—it may stay that way. The ball remains firmly in Sacramento’s court, and the clock is ticking.
