The Sacramento Kings reportedly hold an interest in adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. The former lottery pick is currently a restricted free agent and has been mired in a standoff with the Golden State Warriors all summer. Sacramento may be a viable sign-and-trade partner, assuming the Warriors decide to explore their options.
According to Jason Timpf via the “Hoops Tonight” podcast, Golden State would reportedly covet Keegan Murray in return for Kuminga. Murray is arguably a better player and should be viewed as a cornerstone talent by the Kings. As such, Timpf shared his disbelief that Sacramento would sanction a move that saw Murray heading to their divisional rivals.
“I’ve heard the Warriors want Keegan Murray in the deal,” Timpf said. “Why would the Kings do that? Keegan’s a much better player than Jonathan Kuminga. That’s a different class of asset that you would be bringing back in a deal like that. Your chance to turn Jonathan Kuminga into real asset return was two years ago when he was still on his rookie contract with multiple years remaining with more of an unknown regarding his upside.”
Kuminga has been exploring his options this summer. The Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns have reportedly registered differing levels of interest in the explosive forward, too. However, to this point, Golden State has appeared focused on finding a way to retain Kuminga, although those efforts are yet to pay dividends.
Kuminga must reach a resolution before Oct. 1, as that is the deadline for him to sign his qualifying offer. Regardless of how things play out this summer, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his future lies away from the Bay Area, and a trade will eventually arise that ends his partnership with the Warriors franchise.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!