One Sacramento Kings insider believes Jonathan Kuminga could be the team’s key to landing Russell Westbrook.
The Sacramento Kings are trying their best to add some young talent to their roster. And they have had their eyes on Jonathan Kuminga for much of the offseason.
Kuminga is open to playing for the Kings as he feels he will get a fair shot on their roster, something he didn’t get with the Golden State Warriors.
However, the Warriors have made a sign-and-trade with the Kings very difficult. The Warriors refused to take DeMar DeRozan in any sign-and-trade deal.
But there is still optimism that the Kings will land Kuminga. And one NBA insider thinks that is the key for the Kings to unlock a potential Russell Westbrook signing.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesSacramento Kings could use Jonathan Kuminga to land Russell Westbrook
Sacramento Kings expert Allen Stiles spoke on Sactown Sports recently about the Jonathan Kuminga situation.
He believes that the Warriors will move Kuminga to the Kings for a low price, which will open the door for the Kings to sign Russell Westbrook.
“It is safe to say that the Sacramento Kings do believe that… Jonathan Kuminga will continue to say, ‘I’m going to sign that qualifying offer.’
“And at the buzzer, the Golden State Warriors will say, ’Alright, we can’t afford to lose him for nothing. Malik Monk and a protected pick, that’s better, that’s much, much better than nothing. So let’s go ahead, do the deal, and be done with it.”
“And then, because Malik Monk is now gone, Russell Westbrook joins the Kings, and it’s a very, very fascinating training camp that’s about to pop off.
“To me, that is the main reason this Russell Westbrook stuff hasn’t gone away.”
Westbrook rumors haven’t stopped. If Kuminga keeps threatening QO, Warriors may not risk losing him for nothing, leading the Kings to believe a Malik Monk deal could still happen.
Russ hasn’t been connected to other teams and the Kings are unlikely to add him to current roster. pic.twitter.com/kP1aKdR44A
— Allen Stiles (@The_StilesFiles) August 13, 2025
View Tweet
Russell Westbrook would cause spacing problems for Sacramento Kings
While Russell Westbrook had a strong campaign with the Denver Nuggets last season, he might not be the best fit for the Sacramento Kings, especially if they land Jonathan Kuminga.
Westbrook is a less-than-stellar three-point shooter, as is Kuminga. Being in a position where two of your starting players aren’t good shooters is not ideal for the modern NBA.
While Zach LaVine is a decent shooter from range, and Domantas Sabonis can make the odd shot from beyond the arc, the Kings won’t have a lot of sharpshooters.
Especially since the arrival of Kuminga and Westbrook will require them to move Malik Monk, who is one of their best shooters.
Hopefully, the Kings have a plan to combat this lack of spacing. Not having adequate three-point shooting is a recipe for disaster in the NBA, and could haunt the Kings next season.