The Sacramento Kings are reportedly one of the few teams still circling Jonathan Kuminga ahead of the trade deadline - and at this point, it might be Kings or bust for the Golden State Warriors forward.
While several teams have shown passing interest, the Kings appear to be the most serious suitor as the clock ticks down. And now, there’s a trade scenario floating around that could finally bring some clarity to the Warriors’ Kuminga conundrum.
The proposed deal? Sacramento would land Kuminga straight up, sending Malik Monk and Keon Ellis to Golden State in return.
On paper, it’s a simple swap. But once you peel back the layers, it’s clear this one’s more complicated than it looks.
What’s Really Going On With Kuminga and the Warriors
Let’s start with the Warriors. For all the flashes of promise Kuminga has shown, Golden State hasn’t exactly treated him like an untouchable piece of their future.
Earlier in the season - before the Jimmy Butler injury shifted the trade landscape - there was a sense that the Warriors were ready to move on from the 21-year-old forward. But as things stand now, that urgency seems to have cooled.
The Warriors aren’t going to deal Kuminga just to make a move. They’re in a delicate spot: stuck between trying to stay competitive with their veteran core and keeping the books clean for a potential retool this summer. That means they’re not looking to take on long-term contracts unless it’s for a player who clearly moves the needle.
Why Monk’s Contract Could Be a Dealbreaker
That’s where Malik Monk becomes a sticking point. Monk is in the second year of a $77.9 million deal, and he’s set to earn over $20 million next season, with a $21 million player option looming for 2027-28. That’s not the kind of money the Warriors want to tie themselves to - especially not for a player who, while talented, doesn’t drastically change their ceiling.
Golden State has made it clear: they want flexibility. They’re eyeing the summer as a chance to reset, and Monk’s deal would limit their ability to chase bigger fish in free agency or the trade market.
Keon Ellis: A Name to Watch, But Not a Game-Changer
As for Keon Ellis, he’s been one of the more talked-about young names on the trade market this season. He’s on an expiring deal and has shown flashes of being a rotation-caliber guard.
But let’s be real - he’s not the kind of asset you take on long-term money to acquire. If the cost of getting Ellis is swallowing Monk’s contract, that’s a tough pill to swallow for a front office trying to preserve cap space.
Where Do the Warriors Go From Here?
Golden State is in a tricky position. They’re not out of the playoff picture, but they’re also not looking like a team that’s one move away from contention. That makes any potential trade - especially one involving a young, high-upside player like Kuminga - a high-stakes decision.
Unless they’re getting a clear upgrade, the Warriors might be better off holding onto Kuminga and seeing how things play out. He’s still on a rookie deal, still improving, and still offers the kind of athleticism and two-way potential that’s hard to find.
The Kings, on the other hand, are clearly looking to add a dynamic piece to their core. Kuminga could fit that bill. But if this is the offer on the table, it’s hard to see Golden State biting - not with their eyes set on a bigger summer shakeup.
For now, the Kuminga saga continues. But make no mistake - if the Warriors are going to move him, it won’t be for anything less than a deal that helps them win now and later.