BREAKING RUMOR: Warriors & Hawks in intense blockbuster trade talks! Is a Kuminga-for-Murray swap imminent? Find out how Golden State could land Murray AND retain key assets in this massive deal!
As the October 1 deadline looms for Jonathan Kuminga’s qualifying offer, the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings are heating up sign-and-trade discussions around the talented young forward, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. But the Warriors aren’t biting on the Kings’ initial overtures, which reportedly involve Malik Monk and a lottery-protected first-round pick—especially if it means parting with Buddy Hield or Moses Moody to balance the salaries. Golden State is aiming higher, and they’ve got their sights set on a game-changer: Kings forward Keegan Murray.
Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors
Warriors Eyeing a Premium Swap: Why Not Go for Murray?
Let’s face it—due diligence demands the Warriors at least kick the tires on Murray, the Kings’ prized asset. As Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight recently broke down, snagging the 25-year-old sharpshooter won’t be easy. “I’ve heard the Warriors want Keegan Murray in the deal. Why would the Kings do that? Keegan’s a much better player than Jonathan Kuminga. That’s a different class of asset,” Timpf noted. Murray’s proven 3-and-D prowess outshines Kuminga’s raw potential, making him a tough get.
But Golden State has ammunition: their future draft picks, which could skyrocket in value given the aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the newly acquired Jimmy Butler. To make the money work, a three-team blockbuster involving the Utah Jazz could be the ticket. Here’s how it shakes out:
Warriors Receive: Keegan Murray, 2029 second-round pick (via Jazz, top-55 protected) Kings Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 and 2032 first-round picks (via Warriors, unprotected) Jazz Receive: Dario Saric, 2027 second-round pick (via Kings)
This deal would force tough conversations in both front offices, but it could reshape the Western Conference.
Why the Warriors Pull the Trigger: Win-Now Mode Activated
The Warriors have been handcuffed by Kuminga’s restricted free agency drama, but with a veteran powerhouse featuring Curry, Butler, and Green, they’re all-in on the present. Swapping for Murray? That’s an instant upgrade. His elite shooting and defensive versatility slots seamlessly into a starting five that could include Curry, Butler, Murray, Green, and Al Horford—forming a lethal two-way unit built for title runs this season and beyond.
Sure, Murray’s extension could command $25+ million annually, but Golden State seems ready to pay up. The real gamble? Forking over that unprotected 2032 first-rounder might close the door on bigger fish like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Trey Murphy III, both rumored targets. Yet, holding out for hypotheticals risks squandering the twilight years of Curry, Butler, and Green. Murray isn’t a superstar, but he’s the proven difference-maker who could vault the Dubs back into legitimate championship contention. Why wait when you can strike now?
Why the Kings Say Yes: Clearing Logjams and Stocking the Future
For Sacramento, landing Kuminga without losing Murray would be ideal on paper—but reality bites. On the court, Murray’s role has shrunk amid a crowded rotation of ball-dominant stars like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Dennis Schroder. Adding Kuminga’s scoring punch? It only exacerbates the usage crunch, leaving the former No. 4 pick underutilized—his production dipped noticeably from Year 2 to Year 3.
Financially, it’s a nightmare. Murray’s next deal will eclipse Kuminga’s in cost, pushing the Kings perilously close to punishing tax aprons. Dumping salaries from LaVine, DeRozan, or Monk? Easier said than done with their multi-year, less-than-friendly contracts. This trade flips the script: Sacramento secures a high-upside forward in Kuminga (who they can sell as Murray’s equal or better long-term), plus two unprotected Warriors picks. That 2032 selection? Pure gold in a post-Curry/Butler/Green era, when Golden State might be rebuilding.
The Kings could spin this as a savvy pivot—betting on Kuminga’s growth while dodging salary cap hell and gaining rival assets. It’s a bold reset that keeps them competitive without the headaches.
The Bottom Line: A Deal That Could Shake the NBA
These talks are far from done, but if the Warriors’ persistence pays off, this could be the blockbuster that reignites their dynasty dreams while giving the Kings a fresh path forward. With the clock ticking on Kuminga’s offer, expect more twists. Stay tuned—this one’s got fireworks written all over it.