Jonathan Kuminga continues to be the biggest name remaining in the free agency market.
The Golden State Warriors could pull off a sign-and-trade, possibly with the Sacramento Kings. It would be an interesting move, and the Kings are open to making him their starter.
Throughout his four seasons in the NBA, Jonathan Kuminga has shown massive improvements in his game. He is a hyper-athletic wing player with upside as a scorer. However, he has never been a Steve Kerr favorite with the Warriors.
That has led to some friction between Kerr and Kuminga, and unfortunately for the power forward, it looks like he has no long-term future with the Warriors.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesSacramento Kings and Jonathan Kuminga have communicated
As arguably the biggest restricted free agent left, Kuminga could be involved in a sign-and-trade to the Sacramento Kings.
Kuminga is a promising player who deserves a legitimate shot. With the Warriors, the 22-year-old has not received enough trust because Kerr prefers to stick with his proven veterans, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
That could spell the end of Kuminga’s future with the Warriors, even though he could succeed them as they age.
How I see the Warriors’ three options with Jonathan Kuminga:
1) Take the Kings/Suns “lowball” offer
2) Kuminga accepts the $7.9M QO, setting the stage for him to leave for nothing in a year
3) GSW drastically overpays Kuminga to get him to look past his role concerns https://t.co/3t6uSBG8Yd
— Marc Grandi (@MarcGrandi) July 25, 2025
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Kuminga could become the centerpiece for the Kings’ plans, which is quite enticing for a young player. He has the talent to do so, and he welcomes the pressure of being “the guy” on a team.
“Kuminga had contact with the Kings in the last couple of days. It’s the first time he’s communicated with Scott Perry, Doug Christie, and B.J. Armstrong. From what I’ve gathered, he liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater said on ESPN 1320 Sacramento.
“He’s open-minded to the idea of Sacramento. I know part of that is because part of that pitch is you’re talking starting role. You’re talking bigger opportunity than the Warriors are offering right now.
“Jonathan Kuminga is not only looking for the exact contract he wants in free agency. He’s looking for the right opportunity on the court.”
Jonathan Kuminga could fit in nicely with Sacramento Kings
As a 22-year-old with star-level potential, it is hard to imagine that Kuminga would struggle with the Kings. He might take some time to adjust to the system, but he has all the tools to become a star.
Kuminga and Keegan Murray could combine to become the Kings’ foundational wings for the future.
The Kings have been in a rut after their 2023 run to the postseason. Unfortunately, they failed to capture that magic again, which led to De’Aaron Fox’s departure.
They are looking to retool the team, and getting Kuminga could provide the promising player they need.
If he can fully realize his potential in Sacramento, this could be a great move for the young forward. The Kings must do their best to convince Kuminga to join, while giving a good package to the Warriors.