The Kings are pushing for their fourth straight 40-win season after narrowly missing the playoffs last year with a 40-42 record.
Now, trade rumors are swirling around Sacramento as they eye Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, though money might be the sticking point in any potential deal.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Kings aren’t willing to meet Kuminga’s asking price of $20+ million per season. This creates an interesting standoff between the talented young forward and potential suitors.
The Warriors don’t seem interested in what Sacramento might offer, either.
“My understanding is the Warriors weren’t interested in Carter or DeRozan. As of a couple weeks ago, the Kings weren’t willing to give Kuminga $20 million+ per season,” Amick reported.
Kuminga’s journey with Golden State has been complicated to say the least. Picked 7th overall in the 2021 draft, he’s played 258 games but started just 84 of them over four seasons.
Last year was particularly tough for the 22-year-old. He appeared in only 47 games, starting 10, with his playing time taking a major hit after the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler.
Now a restricted free agent, Kuminga wants to get paid.
NBA insider Brett Siegel recently floated a hypothetical four-team trade that would send Kuminga to Sacramento with a four-year, $112 million contract – exactly the $28 million annual salary he’s looking for.
The Kings have options to make a deal work. They’re reportedly open to moving either Devin Carter or Malik Monk in a potential sign-and-trade.
Carter, the 13th pick in last year’s draft, played just 36 games as a rookie after shoulder surgery for a torn labrum. He didn’t start any games during his limited action.
Monk has been a more established presence, completing his third season with the Kings and making a career-high 45 starts last year.
The Kings’ guard-heavy roster makes moving one of these players logical. Sacramento has a surplus of shooting guards but clearly believes Kuminga could be worth the investment.
Will the Kings pull the trigger on a deal? The ball appears to be in their court if they’re willing to meet Kuminga’s price tag.
