Warriors, Kings rekindle Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade talks

Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency saga keeps taking turns. After more than a month without contact, the Warriors and Kings recently reopened sign-and-trade discussions, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Progress was minimal, but the fact that the Pacific Division rivals are talking again suggests Sacramento isn’t ready to move on.

Earlier this summer, the Kings put a three-year, $63 million offer in front of Kuminga and offered Golden State a package of Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick. The Warriors declined, and for good reason.

Golden State isn’t overly sold on Monk’s fit, and his $21.6 million player option for 2027-28 isn’t appealing to the front office. Taking him back would also hard-cap the Warriors at the first apron under base-year compensation rules, which would make it tougher to finish filling out the roster.

That would likely require shipping out Buddy Hield or Moses Moody in a three-team deal, and so far, the Warriors haven’t shown much interest in going that route. On top of that, the protections on Sacramento’s pick are considered too restrictive, with Golden State hoping for lighter terms before they’d even consider saying yes.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have reportedly made new offers to Kuminga, including a three-year, $75 million deal with a team option in Year 3. His agent, Aaron Turner, continues to push back, insisting on a player option and keeping the qualifying offer on the table as a viable outcome.

Signing the $8 million QO would give Kuminga a no-trade clause and a clear path to unrestricted free agency in 2026.

With the October 1 deadline looming, this stalemate can’t last much longer. Either the Warriors sweeten the pot, the Kings step up, or Kuminga bets on himself and takes the one-year deal.

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