As media day and training camp loom for the Golden State Warriors, so does a decision on Jonathan Kuminga. The young power forward has been in a stalemate with his club over his contract for months.
The Warriors have reputedly offered him a new contract with big money. Kuminga's concern is the team option in the final year. He want's a player option that will give him more control over his destiny.
Kuminga is right to be concerned. His minutes, usage, and development have been all over the map, spending what felt like more time on the bench. If Murray isn't getting time, he wants the option to move on. If it were up to the Kings, that would be happening sooner rather than later.
The Kings want Kuminga
Apparently, the Kings attempts to trade for Kuminga have been shot down by the Warriors, mostly over an included draft pick being protected. It's also quite possible that the Warriors don't want to help out a rival by giving them a good player.
On top of that, the Kings' trade offer included Malik Monk, a great sixth man coming off the bench. It's looking like the Warriors want someone else.
That person is Keegan Murray, another young power forward whose place on his roster feels tenuous at best. Trading him would not be a smart move for the Kings.
Keep Murray, wait for Kuminga
Keegan Murray is a good player who has the potential to be great. The same is true of Jonathan Kuminga. The goal should be to team them up on the Kings, not swap them out.
There is potential for that to happen. Unless something drastic changes prior to the October 1 deadline, Kuminga will likely play the 2025-2026 season for the Warriors on a qualifying offer. Then, he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer who can play wherever he wants.
Apparently, that is Sacramento. At this point, all the Kings need to do is hang onto Murray, wait out the Warriors, and get Kuminga without having to give anyone up.