One of the biggest offseason stories in the NBA has been the contract drama between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors. As the next season closes in, nothing has been settled. And the Kings are still in the mix. Kind of.
Kuminga is currently a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors have right of firs refusal. Another team can make an offer but the Warriors have the option match it.
Negotiations are ongoing with the Warriors' latest offering topping $75 million over three years and a team option in year three. The problem for Kuminga's camp is the team option. They want a player option, giving Kuminga greater control over his future.
Jonathan Kuminga is thinking about more than money
Kuminga's role on the Warriors is unstable and his minutes are wildly inconsistent. The coveted player wants a bigger, guaranteed place, something the Warriors have proven they won't give him. Re-signing with them likely means fading back into the background for Kuminga.
The Sacramento Kings, on the other hand, have shown great interest in Kuminga and reputedly offered a central place in their roster. That is more important to Kuminga than anything else.
Throughout the offseason, the Kings kept trying to trade Malik Monk, presumably to make room for Russell Westbrook. They also tried to trade him to the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, a move Golden State outright shut down.
The Kings are one move away from Kuminga
In addition to Monk, the Warriors wanted a draft pick and the Kings offered up a protected 2030 first round draft pick. It was the word "protected" that caused problems.
A protected draft pick comes with conditions, usually a number range that allows the original team to keep it if the pick falls in it. Not surprisingly, the Warriors want that draft pick to be unprotected.
The Warriors might have an offer on the table Kuminga has yet to sign, but the Kings changing the protected draft pick to unprotected might re-open trade talks. It might be the best move for everyone involved.