Restricted free agents Josh Giddy and Cameron Thomas have concluded their varying deals, but Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has yet to reach an agreement with the Bay Area organization.

Due to the nature of their negotiations — with it being clear that Kuminga doesn’t prefer going back to the Warriors since they primarily value his contract as a trade chip — sign-and-trade conversations have floated around this entire offseason.

Sacramento and Phoenix are the two teams that have consistently been reportedly interested in the 22-year-old.

Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Sam Amick confirmed that ongoing status.

The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns remain the two suitors in play, though league and team sources say a deal with either team is highly unlikely unless something significant changes regarding the respective offers. Team sources say the Kings are under the impression that Kuminga does, in fact, want to play for them. The Warriors shut down talks with both teams earlier in the summer, but could always pick up the phone at the 11th hour.

– Sam Amick, The Athletic: “Jonathan Kuminga wants security. The Warriors want flexibility. Who blinks first?”

Amick also reported that Sacramento’s most recent offer included Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick, but “their insistence on including protections on the first-rounder remains the main obstacle to a possible deal.“

New Kings general manager Scott Perry can play it patient though, if his eyes are really set on Kuminga.

If he were to pickup his $7.9 million qualifying offer — as Brooklyn’s Thomas did — it would be a bet on himself before reaching unrestricted free agency next offseason.

Accepting the QO would also include a no-trade clause, allowing Kuminga and his agent to pick their next destination, even if said team would not have his bird rights — similarly to complications Sacramento inherited when trading for Jake LaRavia last season.

Sacramento doesn’t currently project to have cap space, but moves could always be made to open up the flexibility if that was their desired direction.

But, Kuminga’s third and final option became slightly more enticing in recent weeks.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Golden State increased their offer from two-years, $45-million to three-years, $75.2 million.

Just as the previous did, their new offer comes with a team option in the final season along with waiving the inherent no-trade clause. For now, the stalemate is ongoing.

Giddey agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year $100, million deal with the Bulls with no options. Thomas bet on himself, picking up the qualifying offer.

With the start of training camp set for the end of September, uncomfortable scenarios may force someone’s hand by then.

More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports

New general manager Scott Perry made it clear that he felt like acquiring a starting point guard was a top priority after taking over the Sacramento Kings this offseason. Star center Domantas Sabonis mentioned it in his end of season presser as well.

Dennis Schroder was that answer, signing a three-year deal with Sacramento early in free agency.

Perry is looking for someone to lead that group on both ends of the floor, a tone setter. Maybe Schroder’s best example of leading teams in recent years have come in his time with Germany’s national teams.

Read More:

Dennis Schroder named 2025 EuroBasket MVP

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season

Preseason

September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, October 8th vs. Toronto Raptors – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 10th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 7 PM PT
Wednesday, October 15th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 17th @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PT

Regular Season

Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT

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