TITLE: Warriors Expected to Shop Jonathan Kuminga as Kings Prepare Renewed Push
SLUG: warriors-expected-to-shop-jonathan-kuminga-as-kings-prepare-renewed-push
CONTENT:
The Golden State Warriors are widely expected to trade forward Jonathan Kuminga before the NBA’s Feb. 8 deadline, league insiders told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. The 21-year-old cannot be moved until Jan. 15 because of his recent extension, but executives around the league reportedly view a deal as more likely than not.
Kuminga and the Warriors explored a split last summer, sources said. The forward was drawn to the Sacramento Kings, and Sacramento signaled interest in return. According to DallasHoopsJournal, the Kings discussed a package centered on guard Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick. Sacramento also outlined a larger on-court role and a pathway to All-Star consideration. Golden State declined the proposal.
Hoops Wire reports that Sacramento intends to make another strong push ahead of the February deadline, and several rival teams expect an agreement to materialize eventually.
After talks stalled during the offseason, Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract that includes a team option, giving any acquiring club flexibility to restructure the deal later.
This season, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points while shooting 43.8 percent from the field. Despite the production, head coach Steve Kerr kept him out of the rotation on Sunday, leaving the fourth-highest-paid Warrior on the bench. Kuminga has said he will “stay professional” and be ready when called upon.
Golden State, built around veterans pursuing another championship, has limited minutes for long-term development projects. With timelines diverging, front-office officials are expected to canvass the market once Kuminga becomes trade-eligible in mid-January.
Source: Hoops Wire
