Warriors Shocked by Kings’ Bold First Offer for Jonathan Kuminga — What Went Wrong?

The Warriors balked at the Kings’ offer for Kuminga, feeling the proposal was a buy-low attempt, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing league sources.

Golden State extended a .9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga last weekend, kickstarting a restricted free agency that faces similar issues as players in comparable situations league-wide due to the lack of teams possessing a wealth of salary-cap space.

The chatter around Jonathan Kuminga’s next move just won’t quit — and honestly, who can blame anyone for keeping their eyes glued to this developing drama? The young Warriors forward’s future has sparked intense speculation as talks heat up involving three teams: the Kings, Warriors, and Pistons, aiming for a three-team sign-and-trade that could land Kuminga in Sacramento. The blueprint? Golden State scooping up promising assets like 2024 first-rounder Devin Carter, ex-Warriors big Dario Šarić, plus a pair of second-round picks, while Sacramento looks to send Malik Monk to Detroit. Yet, the Warriors aren’t exactly thrilled with the initial offer, viewing it as a potential lowball gambit, causing friction behind the scenes. Golden State’s move to extend a .9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga last weekend has thrust him into restricted free agency, a space muddled by the scarce salary-cap room across the league — a classic tug-of-war that’s as much about timing as it is talent. With Kuminga averaging a respectable 12.5 points on over 50 percent shooting since his rookie year, Golden State’s wait-and-see stance on his worth is understandable. The Kings’ opening bid might have landed on the table, but it’s clear the negotiation dance has only just begun between these Northern California contenders. LEARN MORE

While it remains to be seen what compensation the Warriors would be comfortable receiving to part with Kuminga, it’s clear the Kings’ initial offer still has a ways to go before any deal materializes between the two Northern California franchises.

Rodriguez reported that the framework of the deal would revolve around Golden State receiving 2024 first-round pick Devin Carter and former Warriors big man Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks from the Kings, while Sacramento would send Malik Monk to Detroit, clearing a path for Kuminga to land in California’s capital.

Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field in four NBA seasons since being selected by the Warriors at No. 7 overall in the 2021 draft.

NBC Sports California’s Tristi Rodriguez reported Wednesday, citing a source, that the Kings, Warriors and Detroit Pistons were discussing a blockbuster three-team sign-and-trade that would send Kuminga to Sacramento.

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While the Jonathan Kuminga saga awaits a resolution, there still is plenty of buzz surrounding the impending future of the young Warriors forward.