Could Jonathan Kuminga’s Surprising Openness to the Kings Signal a Shocking NBA Shakeup?
Golden State selected Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and while the 22-year-old showed flashes of potential, he has never been a perfect fit alongside Steph Curry, and that only intensified with the integration of Jimmy Butler at the end of last season.
The Warriors’ offseason essentially has been put on pause until there is a resolution to the Kuminga situation, which has dragged nearly four weeks into free agency.
The Kings and Phoenix Suns have been the strongest pursuers of Jonathan Kuminga, and apparently, the Warriors forward wouldn’t mind moving 80 miles northeast.
As Slater attested to, he is seeking a larger role than Warriors coach Steve Kerr has given him, and he could be the perfect addition for the team up the road that has longed for a young, athletic wing to complement Keegan Murray.
“Kuminga had contact with the Kings in the last couple of days,” Slater said. “It was the first time he met Scott Perry, and this wasn’t in person, but it’s the first time he’s communicated with Scott Perry, Doug Christie and B.J. Armstrong. And from what I’ve gathered, he liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave. He’s open-minded to the idea of Sacramento.
The Warriors appear to be unmoved by the Kings’ offer, or anyone else’s thus far.
Sacramento made an offer to Golden State earlier this month, which sources told NBC Sports California’s Tristi Rodriguez included the Kings sending second-year NBA guard Devin Carter, big man Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks to the Warriors in exchange for Kuminga.
In four seasons with Golden State, Kuminga has averaged 15.3 points on 45.4 percent shooting, with 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Jonathan Kuminga’s future in the NBA has become one of this offseason’s most captivating sagas. The 22-year-old forward, who was plucked seventh overall by Golden State in 2021, is suddenly at the center of serious trade buzz — with the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns emerging as his most eager suitors. From what’s brewing behind closed doors, Kuminga’s not just entertaining the idea of packing his bags for the capital city; he’s actually intrigued by what the Kings have laid on the table. A fresh chat with Sacramento’s decision-makers — including GM Scott Perry and assistant GM B.J. Armstrong — this past week has opened doors to a potentially larger role, something Kuminga has been craving beyond just the terms of any contract. Meanwhile, Golden State’s offseason plans sit in limbo, stuck waiting for the mysterious next move in this nearly month-long standoff. The question remains: will Kuminga find that coveted opportunity and bigger spotlight in Sacramento, or will the Warriors hold firm? The drama is far from over, and it’s a story worth keeping an eye on. LEARN MORE
“I think part of that — I know part of that pitch — is you’re talking starting role, you’re talking bigger opportunity than the Warriors are necessarily offering right now. And I think that’s the part that shouldn’t get lost in this situation. Jonathan Kuminga isn’t just looking for the exact contract he wants in free agency. He’s looking for the opportunity he wants on the court.”
Kuminga met with Sacramento’s brass this week, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Friday on ESPN 1320 Sacramento, and the 22-year-old had a good discussion with general manager Scott Perry, assistant GM B.J. Armstrong and coach Doug Christie.
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