Last week, a reported trade offer involving Jonathan Kuminga sent shockwaves through the NBA, leaving Golden State Warriors fans both amused and bewildered. The Sacramento Kings, in a bold but questionable move, proposed a three-team deal that has since been dubbed “comical” by fans and analysts alike. As details of the trade surfaced and Devin Carter, a key piece of the proposed package, struggled in his Summer League debut, the Warriors’ decision to reject the offer looks increasingly justified. However, the saga surrounding Kuminga’s restricted free agency continues to loom large, keeping Golden State on edge.
The Trade That Never Was
According to Ali Thanawalla and Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports, the proposed three-team trade would have seen Jonathan Kuminga and Dennis Schröder heading to the Sacramento Kings, Malik Monk landing with the Detroit Pistons, and the Warriors receiving Dario Šarić, Devin Carter, and two second-round picks. For Warriors fans, the package was underwhelming at best and outright disrespectful at worst.
Golden State had little interest in reuniting with Šarić, a former Warrior who, while serviceable, didn’t fit their long-term vision. The inclusion of Carter, a lottery pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, was meant to sweeten the deal, but his lackluster performance in Sacramento’s Summer League opener has only amplified doubts about his value. The Warriors, known for their shrewd roster management, swiftly declined the offer, a decision that now seems prescient.
Devin Carter’s Disappointing Summer League Debut
Devin Carter, selected 13th overall by the Kings in the 2024 NBA Draft, was expected to be a cornerstone of the trade package. However, his Summer League performance in Las Vegas did little to inspire confidence. In nearly 24 minutes as Sacramento’s starting point guard, Carter struggled mightily, shooting a dismal 2-of-14 from the field (14.3%) and missing all four of his 3-point attempts. He finished with eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in an 84-81 win, but his inefficiency raised red flags.
I’m going to save my Devin Carter takes but if this basketball stuff doesn’t work out the Raiders should hit him up to roam the secondary
— Jack Dann (@JackDannKF) July 11, 2025
Devin Carter already sitting, not great!
— Professor OAK 🇵🇸 (@o_a_khan) July 10, 2025
Devin Carter already shaking his right shoulder.
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) July 10, 2025
Compounding concerns is Carter’s lingering shoulder injury. After undergoing surgery for a torn labrum following the draft, Carter didn’t make his NBA debut until January 2025. His Summer League outing suggested he’s still not fully healthy, as he appeared troubled by the shoulder issue. For Warriors fans, Carter’s performance is a stark reminder of what they didn’t trade Kuminga for—a player who, at least for now, seems far from ready to contribute meaningfully.
The Kuminga Conundrum
Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, remains a polarizing figure for the Warriors. The 23-year-old forward has shown flashes of brilliance, with his athleticism and scoring ability making him a tantalizing prospect. However, consistency and fit within Golden State’s system have been ongoing questions. Now, as a restricted free agent, Kuminga’s future is uncertain.
Over 10 days into free agency, Kuminga is set to meet with the Warriors and other prospective teams during the Las Vegas Summer League. The Warriors, coming off a 1-2 record in the California Classic, will face the Portland Trail Blazers in their Vegas opener on Friday, July 11, 2025. These games provide a backdrop for discussions about Kuminga’s next steps, whether that’s a new contract with Golden State or a potential sign-and-trade elsewhere.
While the Kings and Pistons have already completed a Schröder sign-and-trade without the Warriors’ involvement, Sacramento could still pursue Kuminga in a separate deal. However, it’s clear that Carter alone won’t be enough to pry the young forward from Golden State. The Warriors are likely holding out for a more substantial return, especially given Kuminga’s upside and the team’s championship aspirations.
Why the Trade Offer Fell Flat
The Kings’ proposed package was widely panned for several reasons. First, Dario Šarić, while a familiar face, doesn’t address Golden State’s need for a high-impact player to complement Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the core. Second, the two second-round picks, while valuable, pale in comparison to Kuminga’s potential as a two-way force. Finally, Devin Carter’s injury concerns and poor Summer League showing only underscored the gap in value between him and Kuminga.
For Sacramento, the trade offer was a gamble to bolster their roster with Kuminga’s athleticism and Schröder’s veteran presence. However, the Warriors’ front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., saw through the lackluster proposal. Fans on social media were quick to mock the deal, with many calling it “laughable” and “insulting” to Kuminga’s potential.
What’s Next for Kuminga and the Warriors?
As the Summer League unfolds, all eyes will be on Kuminga’s meetings in Las Vegas. The Warriors face a delicate balancing act: retaining a promising young talent while managing their salary cap and roster flexibility. A sign-and-trade remains a possibility, but any deal would need to bring back a player or assets that align with Golden State’s championship window.
For now, the rejected trade offer serves as a reminder of the Warriors’ high standards. Kuminga’s value, while not fully realized, far exceeds what Sacramento was willing to offer. As Golden State prepares for their Summer League campaign and the 2025-26 season, the “comical” Kuminga deal will linger as a humorous footnote in a high-stakes offseason.