It doesn't matter what sport or league it is, every franchise has its rivalries. In the NHL, the Dallas Stars have one with the San Jose Sharks. It seems odd, but it's true.
These rivalries are important. They keep the fanbase engaged and fire up the players. It adds a little extra edge to those games.
For the Sacramento Kings, their biggest rival is, not surprisingly, California-based. Specifically, it's the Golden State Warriors and that might be part of the reason the Kuminga trade hasn't happened.
Kuminga on the Warriors
The Warriors aren't the dominant franchise they used to be. Led by Stephen Curry, they went to the finals five straight times and won three of them. They picked up a fourth title a couple of years later.
Since then, the Warriors have struggled, largely because they have failed to develop young talent. Jonathan Kuminga is a prime example of that problem.
Despite being recognized as a potential superstar, he has received, at best, inconsistent minutes and a confusing role. The front office seems reticent to clarify his position with the team.
Kuminga not on the Kings
Jonathan Kuminga has been getting increasingly frustrated with his place on the Warriors, so much so that he has expressed interest in moving to the Kings. The Warriors have not responded well.
So far, the trade has been denied by the Warriors. Being that the Kings are their Northern California rivals, it's quite possible that Golden State simply doesn't want to help them.
The reality is that Kuminga will likely end up a free agent in 2026 and can sign with whoever he wants. At the point, he can move to the Kings and the Warriors get nothing.
It would probably be smarter to make the move now. The Warriors could trade Kuminga for DeMar DeRozan and add to their growing collection of aging stars.