Jonathan Kuminga, Cade Cunningham, Warriors
Getty
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons catches a pass while being guarded by Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors offseason has been defined by one lingering question: what’s next for Jonathan Kuminga?
The restricted free agent continues to stall on a new contract, reportedly turning down a two-year, $45 million offer from the Warriors. Now, a fresh voice has pitched an intriguing solution that could solve multiple problems at once.
The idea? Trade Kuminga for a package that includes Sacramento Kings rookie guard Devin Carter.
Vecenie: Carter Is ‘Perfect Target’ for Warriors
“I freaking love Devin Carter and I think Devin Carter is a perfect target for the Golden State Warriors. I would 100% move Jonathan Kuminga for Devin Carter and stuff…he’s the exact kind of player that works for Golden State because they have a really structured system and they could play him next to Steph and Jimmy and those guys.” — Sam Vecenie, Game Theory Podcast
Vecenie might not be wrong. Carter showed plenty at Providence: 2.8 stocks per game, elite defensive instincts, and the mentality of a player who thrives in Golden State’s structured system.
After missing most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury, Carter erupted at Summer League in July — 30 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals on 10-of-13 shooting — reminding everyone why he was taken in the lottery.
Sacramento Kings second year guard Devin Carter today at NBA Summer League
30 points8 rebounds3 assists3 steals10/13 FG5/7 3P5/7 FT pic.twitter.com/htU9kJ8DzL
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) July 13, 2025
Trade Package Includes Monk
Carter alone won’t get it done. The Warriors have reportedly turned down every trade offer so far, including packages centered on Carter and Dario Saric.
Both Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis are off limits in talks for Kuminga, forcing both sides to get creative.
Here’s one trade pitch that could work:
Warriors receive:Malik Monk, Devin Carter, future 1st-round pick
Kings receive: Jonathan Kuminga on a four-year, $112 million sign-and-trade
Why This Makes Sense for the Warriors
For Golden State, the math is simple. Stephen Curry is 37. Jimmy Butler is 35. Draymond Green is 35. Their championship window isn’t closed, but it’s certainly narrowing. They can’t afford players who won’t fully buy into the system, no matter how talented.
This package addresses multiple needs: Carter brings defensive intensity at guard, while Monk provides veteran scoring and bench depth for a playoff run.
For Sacramento, it’s the chance to swing big. Kuminga is only 22 with star-level potential. The Warriors can’t afford to wait on his development, but the Kings could provide the environment for him to finally break out.
The Verdict
This deal carries risks on both sides. For Golden State, though, it’s a gamble on fit over upside. And as long as Kuminga’s contract standoff continues, the Warriors’ aging core goes without reinforcement.
For Sacramento, meanwhile, it means sacrificing proven depth and a promising rookie for a player who hasn’t yet shown he can thrive in a structured system. Even then, the upside is hard to ignore.
At the end of the day, the clock is ticking for Golden State. With Curry at 37 and Butler and Green in their mid-30s, they can’t afford to wait much longer. Sometimes the right move isn’t about maximizing talent — it’s about maximizing time.