Where the Kings Stand in Jonathan Kuminga's Free Agency

It makes sense for the Kings to retain interest in Kuminga, as the 23-year-old forward has shown potential and fits Sacramento's rebuild-minded timeline, but they likely missed their chance to get him.

The Kings have moved on

Really, this is the only whiff of any Kuminga-Kings rumors we have gotten recently, which is a surprise considering how we could not escape those talks last offseason or at February's trade deadline.

Kuminga has been significantly linked to the Los Angeles Lakers recently, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as a potential suitor as well. Not only do the Kings not have any attractive assets to send to Atlanta in a sign-and-trade, but they also do not have the money to offer him the contract he wants, as he is obviously looking for more than a minimum.

Fortunately, the Kings seem to be well aware that they are on the outside of these Kuminga "sweepstakes," likely moving on completely. The franchise still needs to sign at least one more player to a standard contract, as they currently have two open roster spots. We should expect them to target a free agent veteran guard or simply elevate two-way forward Jonathan Mogbo to a standard deal, with Kuminga being completely out of the equation.

Of course, if Kuminga were willing to take a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum for a chance to prove himself and hit unrestricted free agency next offseason, the Kings would be a top suitor for him. That scenario is very unlikely, though, as players rarely recover from taking that leap of faith.

Kings' forward rotation

Even without Kuminga, the Kings are likely comfortable with their current forward situation. While it might be their weakest position group, it should not be a serious problem for them next season.

As it stands, they are projected to start a forward duo of Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter, with Alex Karaban and Precious Achiuwa coming off the bench. Sure, they could probably find a spot for Kuminga in there, but it is not the end of the world if he signs elsewhere. After all of these rumors since last summer, it seemed like the two sides were destined to meet eventually, but we will certainly have to wait to see Kuminga in a Kings uniform.