The Golden State Warriors find themselves in yet another offseason standoff, this time involving rising forward Jonathan Kuminga. After reports emerged that Kuminga rejected a contract extension offer and sent a strong message about his dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction, the writing on the wall has become clearer: a breakup may be inevitable.
Trade rumors have been swirling for weeks, with both the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns reportedly offering packages, only to be turned away by the Warriors’ front office. But perhaps it’s time Golden State considers a trade that finally puts the Kuminga drama to rest and adds a proven veteran in the process.
Golden State Warriors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, 2026 Sacramento Kings first-round pick, 2026 Sacramento Kings second-round pick
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (via sign and trade), Moses Moody
At first glance, this deal addresses immediate and long-term needs for both franchises. But the financial mechanics are just as important. DeMar DeRozan is set to make $24.75 million in the 2025–26 season and $25.74 million in 2026–27.
The incoming and outgoing trade values in this proposed deal are both $23.6 million, meaning that for the deal to work under the NBA’s salary-matching rules, Kuminga would need to sign a new contract worth between $22–25 million annually. That’s consistent with his camp’s rumored asking price and would make him one of the highest-paid rising talents of his class.
From Golden State’s perspective, DeRozan brings much-needed veteran scoring and playmaking. The 6-time All-Star averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 2024–25 and remains one of the NBA’s most consistent midrange assassins. His ability to operate in half-court sets, draw fouls, and initiate offense would ease the burden on Stephen Curry, who turns 38 next March.
And unlike Kuminga, DeRozan is a win-now piece, something the Warriors desperately need in what may be the final chapter of the Curry era.
Adding rookie guard Devin Carter sweetens the deal. Carter, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft, didn’t light up the stat sheet, just 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists but showed flashes of elite on-ball defense and toughness. He’s the kind of grinder that fits the Warriors’ system. And with two future picks from Sacramento added, the Warriors retain flexibility if a bigger move presents itself down the line.
For the Kings, it’s a calculated risk with potentially huge upside. Kuminga still averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season on 45.4% shooting, despite inconsistent usage and tension within the Warriors' coaching system.
In Sacramento, he would thrive with more freedom and a defined role. Pairing him with Domantas Sabonis gives the Kings a dynamic duo in the Western Conference.
Moses Moody, meanwhile, is coming off a quietly strong season with 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game and could fill DeRozan’s minutes as a cheaper 3-and-D wing option.
In the end, this deal works financially, talent-wise, and narratively. The Warriors end the uncertainty around Kuminga, add a veteran scorer in DeRozan, and secure assets for the future. The Kings bet on youth and upside. For once, everyone wins.
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