The Sacramento Kings are making waves in the NBA offseason, aggressively pursuing a blockbuster move to bolster their roster. Under the leadership of new general manager Scott Perry, the Kings have been exploring trade options for nearly every player on their roster. While their only significant move so far was acquiring Dennis Schroder via a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento is now setting its sights on a much bigger prize: Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga’s Desire to Join Sacramento
ESPN’s Marc J. Spears recently reported that Kuminga is eager to join the Kings, who have promised him a starting role—a key factor in his decision-making. According to Spears, Kuminga has already spoken with Kings’ GM Scott Perry, assistant GM BJ Armstrong, and assistant coach Doug Christie via a Zoom call, signaling his enthusiasm for the move. This aligns with Sacramento’s strategy to offer Kuminga the opportunity he’s been seeking, something the Warriors have been unable to guarantee amidst their crowded roster.
The Kings’ Trade Offer: Malik Monk and a Protected Pick
Initially, the Kings proposed a package centered around rookie Devin Carter, veteran Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, but the Warriors showed little interest. However, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Sacramento has sweetened the deal, now offering veteran guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round pick. If the 2030 pick doesn’t convey, Golden State would receive the least favorable of Sacramento’s or San Antonio’s 2031 first-round picks.
The inclusion of Monk, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $78 million contract, represents a bold move by the Kings. Monk’s scoring prowess and versatility make him a valuable asset, but his hefty contract may not align with the Warriors’ goal of reducing payroll. The protected nature of the first-round pick has emerged as a sticking point, with Golden State pushing for an unprotected selection, per Amick’s sources.
Jonathan Kuminga “wants to go” to Sacramento, Marc Spears says đź‘€
“The Kings are offering a starting spot. He’s talked on a zoom call with Scott Perry, BJ Armstrong and also with Doug Christie. He’s in. He wants to go there.” pic.twitter.com/91ZaUpFdA1
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 30, 2025
Kuminga’s Contract Offer: A $63M Gamble
In addition to the trade package, the Kings are reportedly offering Kuminga a three-year, $63 million contract, translating to an average annual salary of $21 million. While this is a substantial offer for the 22-year-old forward, it falls short of Kuminga’s expectations. Nonetheless, Sacramento’s willingness to invest in Kuminga underscores their belief in his potential to become a cornerstone for the franchise alongside stars like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Protecting Their Core: Murray and Ellis Off the Table
Despite their aggressive pursuit of Kuminga, the Kings have drawn a line in the sand, declaring young forwards Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis untouchable in trade discussions, per Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson. The Warriors, who have expressed strong interest in both players, may find this stance a hurdle in negotiations. Murray, a rising star, and Ellis, a promising role player, are seen as integral to Sacramento’s long-term vision, making the Kings’ current offer of Monk and a pick their best attempt to strike a deal without sacrificing their core.
The Kings have made Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis untouchable in trade talks involving Jonathan Kuminga, per @JandersonSacBee pic.twitter.com/bhMyJqRJbI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 30, 2025
Initially, the Kings were offering a package of Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, but the team has since changed its offer. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that the Kings are offering Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick for Kuminga.
“As for the Kings, which last spoke with the Warriors earlier this week, team sources say they’ve offered a three-year, $63 million deal for Kuminga in a proposal that would send veteran guard Malik Monk and their 2030 first-round pick (lottery protected) to the Warriors,” Amick wrote.
“If that pick didn’t convey, then the Warriors would get the least favorable of the Kings or San Antonio’s first-round pick in 2031. Those protections have been the primary sticking point, team sources said, as the Warriors have insisted that the first-rounder be unprotected.”
The Warriors’ Perspective: A Tough Decision
For Golden State, the situation with Kuminga has been challenging. As a restricted free agent, Kuminga’s future with the Warriors is uncertain, and a sign-and-trade appears to be the most likely resolution. However, the Warriors are hesitant to accept Sacramento’s offer, particularly due to Monk’s expensive contract and the protections on the draft pick. With Golden State looking to manage their luxury tax burden while remaining competitive around Stephen Curry, they may hold out for a better deal or push for additional assets.
The Kings’ pursuit of Kuminga reflects their urgency to elevate their roster and compete in the loaded Western Conference. While Schroder’s addition provides depth in the backcourt, landing a dynamic forward like Kuminga could transform Sacramento into a legitimate playoff contender. However, with negotiations at a standstill over the pick protections and Monk’s fit in Golden State, the Kings may need to get creative to finalize the deal.
If successful, this trade could mark a turning point for Sacramento, pairing Kuminga’s athleticism and upside with their existing core. For now, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this high-stakes saga, as the Kings make a bold play to steal a rising star from their Northern California rivals.