The standoff between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings over forward Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the defining storylines of a slow-moving free agency. Despite months of speculation and even a face-to-face meeting between Kuminga and Kings executives Scott Perry and Doug Christie, a deal remains elusive.
Kuminga, one of the most high-profile restricted free agents left on the market, is seeking a contract worth close to $30 million annually. Golden State, however, has only put forth an offer in the $20 million range—an amount no other team has surpassed. Sacramento, for its part, has been unwilling to go higher, with reports confirming that the Kings “weren’t willing to pay Kuminga into the $20 million range (AAV).”
The trade chatter has included several possible scenarios, including a sign-and-trade. Sacramento’s previous proposal of Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and second-round picks was dismissed by Golden State, which continues to demand a young talent and a first-round pick. At present, the gap between expectations remains wide.
From the Warriors’ perspective, the reasoning is clear. While they have no interest in veteran stars such as DeMar DeRozan, who would further age their already experienced core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, they remain focused on balancing the present with the future. Kuminga, just 21, represents one of their few links to a post-Curry era. Trading him for short-term fixes appears counter to ownership’s vision.
The Kings, meanwhile, have little reason to rush. The restricted free agent market has been unusually flat this summer, with just three RFAs securing contracts above the minimum and only two surpassing $10 million per year.
Kuminga’s camp may push for a deal closer to his desired $30 million AAV, but with no offers above $20 million, Sacramento is unlikely to “bid against itself.” Complicating matters further are the First Apron hard cap and extension negotiations for Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis.
As things stand, both sides are holding their ground. For Golden State, the question is whether Carter—a lottery pick whose defensive skills have drawn comparisons to Jrue Holiday—could be enough of a foundation piece. For Sacramento, the challenge is balancing financial prudence with the opportunity to add a dynamic young forward.
The impasse may not last forever. At some point, either the Warriors will soften their demands or the Kings will adjust their offer. Until then, Kuminga’s future hangs in the balance, emblematic of a free agency period where the market sets the limits.
