Sacramento’s offseason has been a bit underwhelming so far, but that could change in a hurry if the Kings follow through on their rumored interest in Golden State’s restricted Free Agent Jonathan Kuminga. Multiple reporters have previously confirmed the Kings interest in the 22-year old Kuminga, but last night rumors abounded that the Kings and Warriors were in serious conversations that would send Kuminga to Sacramento.
According to a report from NBC Sports California, the Warriors, Kings and Pistons are discussing a three-team deal that would send Jonathan Kuminga and Dennis Schröder to Sacramento in sign-and-trades, while Malik Monk would go to Detroit and Devin Carter, Dario Saric and two second round picks would be sent to Golden State. ABC’s Matt George reiterated these same reports as what he has heard, but others like the Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater downplayed anything imminent.
Kuminga has reportedly been dissatisfied with his role in Golden State and wants to go somewhere where he will be more heavily featured. He’s also reportedly seeking a deal starting at around $30 million a year, a number that he and the Warriors don’t seem to be close on as nothing fruitful has come of their negotiations and the Warriors have no reason to bid against themselves with his restricted free agent status. Given that the Warriors have already committed a ton of money to Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, it seems unlikely they’d want to give Kuminga anywhere near that amount of money which could be why a Sign-and-Trade makes sense to them.
For the Kings, Kuminga makes a ton of sense as a gamble, although at the reported $30 million mark it’d be an expensive one. Kuminga will be just 23-years old at the start of the season, 7 months younger than Devin Carter or Nique Clifford. Kuminga, a former 7th overall pick, is a proven scorer in the NBA already, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 45.4% from the field in 24.3 minutes off the bench last season. In the Warriors five-game series against the Wolves, Kuminga saw a bigger role and averaged 20.8 points against a very good defense on good efficiency. He’d also give the Kings a young, athletic cornerstone to build around as they re-tool in the post-De’Aaron Fox era.
The Kings aren’t the only teams interested in Kuminga however. According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans also like him, with the Heat and Bulls originally considered the frontrunners to land his services. The Warriors could also simply decide to match any offer and trade him at a later date if they don’t like the compensation they’re getting (and it’s no surprise they’re not frothing at the mouth to get Devin Carter, Dario Saric and two second rounders).
The key date for all involved here is July 6th, because that’s when players actually sign contracts and agreed upon trades get finalized. That’s why the Pistons are reportedly involved right now, since the Schröder signing could become a Sign-and-Trade instead, and they could take back Monk, who it doesn’t seem the Warriors particularly want on their end. If the Kings can’t get a deal done before then, this all might be moot, or they’ll have to get a bit more creative to continue their pursuit if negotiations drag on. Still, I like the thought and if the Kings do manage to land Kuminga, next season suddenly becomes a whole lot more interesting.