TITLE: Kuminga Prefers Sacramento, Rejects Golden State Offers
SLUG: kuminga-prefers-sacramento-rejects-warriors-offers
CONTENT:
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has informed team officials he does not intend to return and is pushing for a move to the Sacramento Kings, according to a report by Ashish Mathur of the Dallas Hoops Journal.
League sources told Mathur that Kuminga “really wants” to join the Kings and has “zero interest” in playing another game for Golden State.
Trade and contract talks
Sacramento has already attempted to acquire the 22-year-old. The Kings offered guard Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick in a sign-and-trade proposal. They also presented Kuminga and agent Aaron Turner with a three-year, $63 million deal featuring a player option for the third season.
The Warriors countered with a three-year, $75.2 million offer that included a team option instead of a player option. Kuminga declined that package, and his representatives responded by seeking a three-year, $82 million agreement with a player option. Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. rejected the request.
Strained relationship in Golden State
Multiple reports have described Kuminga’s relationship with head coach Steve Kerr as “rocky,” a factor believed to be fueling the forward’s desire to leave. In Sacramento, team officials have told Kuminga they envision him as a future All-Star and high-usage forward under head coach Doug Christie—an outlook that appeals to him.
Qualifying-offer deadline
The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 regular-season games last season but saw limited playoff minutes unless injuries forced Kerr’s hand. Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to sign his $7.9 million qualifying offer. If he accepts, he would gain a no-trade clause for the upcoming season and enter unrestricted free agency next summer, when several teams are projected to have significant cap space.
Source: Hoops Wire
