Giữa đêm, Kings bất ngờ rút khỏi vụ đổi Kuminga, lý do thật sự gây sốc đến mức Golden State phải im bặt!

Another day, another twist in the Jonathan Kuminga contract saga with the Golden State Warriors. As one of four unsigned restricted free agents this offseason—alongside Cam Thomas, Josh Giddey, and Quentin Grimes—Kuminga remains the focal point of trade rumors, particularly with the Sacramento Kings. Despite multiple rejected offers, the Kings are holding off on other roster moves, prioritizing a potential sign-and-trade for the 22-year-old forward, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Is Kuminga the missing piece to elevate Sacramento to playoff contention, or are they betting too much on an unproven talent? This analysis dives into the complexities of Kuminga’s situation, the Kings’ pursuit, and whether this gamble could reshape their future. 

The 2025 NBA offseason has been a slow burn for restricted free agents, with Jonathan Kuminga at the center of one of the league’s most intriguing standoffs. The Golden State Warriors, hesitant to commit to a long-term deal or trade him to an in-state rival like the Sacramento Kings, are playing hardball. Meanwhile, the Kings see Kuminga as a potential game-changer for their guard-heavy roster. Let’s break down the dynamics of this saga, evaluate Kuminga’s fit in Sacramento, and assess whether the Kings should keep pushing for him.

Embed X: https://twitter.com/Fullcourtpass/status/1961149760640786860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1961149760640786860%7Ctwgr%5E045a212fe027b082bbbc4122c7c19fcd6ced9d1c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba%2Fkings%2Fsacramento-kings-news%2Funexpected-update-on-kings-pursuit-of-jonathan-kuminga-warriors-trade

The Stalemate: Warriors’ Leverage and Kuminga’s Ambitions

Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is a restricted free agent after the Warriors extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer. This gives Golden State the right to match any offer sheet or explore sign-and-trade options, but they’ve shown little interest in Sacramento’s proposals. ESPN reports that the Warriors rejected offers including Malik Monk with a 2030 first-round pick and another featuring Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks. The Warriors’ reluctance stems from two factors: they don’t want to strengthen a regional rival, and they view Kuminga’s contract as a trade chip for a blockbuster acquisition at the February deadline. An X post captured the sentiment: “Warriors are playing 4D chess with Kuminga, holding out for a star while Sacramento begs.”

Kuminga, however, is reportedly eager to leave Golden State, seeking a larger role and a contract worth around $25 million annually. His frustration is understandable—despite averaging 15.3 points in 2024-25, he was inconsistent, playing only 47 games due to injuries and falling out of Steve Kerr’s rotation until playoff opportunities arose. The Warriors’ star-heavy roster, featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, has limited Kuminga’s development, raising questions about whether a change of scenery could unlock his potential.

Why Sacramento Wants Kuminga: Fixing a Roster Imbalance

The Sacramento Kings, coming off a playoff-less 2024-25 season, are desperate to retool their roster. With a guard-heavy lineup featuring Zach LaVine, Dennis Schröder, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter, the Kings lack frontcourt athleticism and versatility. Kuminga, a 6-foot-8 wing with elite athleticism, could address this. His ability to create his own shot and attack the rim would complement Domantas Sabonis’ playmaking and Keegan Murray’s floor spacing. The Athletic’s Sam Amick notes that Sacramento has prioritized Kuminga over other moves, seeing him as a potential starter at power forward alongside Murray and Sabonis.

Embed X: https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1944217381007479064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1944217381007479064%7Ctwgr%5E045a212fe027b082bbbc4122c7c19fcd6ced9d1c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fnba%2Fkings%2Fsacramento-kings-news%2Funexpected-update-on-kings-pursuit-of-jonathan-kuminga-warriors-trade

Kuminga’s playoff performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves—averaging 21 points on 54% shooting and 42% from three over five games—offers a glimpse of his potential in a featured role. An X user remarked, “Kuminga was a beast in the playoffs when given the ball. Sacramento’s offense could make him a star.” However, his limitations are evident: a lack of off-ball movement and poor playmaking (1.2 assists to 2 turnovers per game in those playoff games) raise concerns about his fit in Sacramento’s egalitarian system. The Kings’ willingness to part with Monk, a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, or Carter, a defensive standout, underscores their belief in Kuminga’s upside, but the $25 million price tag is a gamble.

The Risks: Is Kuminga Worth the Cost?

Trading for Kuminga would require Sacramento to surrender significant assets—either Monk, a proven 15.4-point scorer off the bench, or Carter, a 2024 lottery pick with defensive promise. The Warriors’ demand for a first-round pick adds further complexity, as Sacramento’s offer of a 2030 lottery-protected pick was deemed insufficient. Additionally, Kuminga’s inconsistent three-point shooting (30.5% last season) and ball-dominant style could clash with the Kings’ need for a balanced offense. An X post questioned, “Why pay $25M for a guy who needs the ball but can’t pass or shoot consistently?”

The Warriors’ track record of stunting young players’ development, as seen with Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, suggests Kuminga’s struggles may be situational. In Sacramento, he’d have a clearer path to minutes and a system that emphasizes Sabonis’ passing and Murray’s shooting. However, the financial commitment—potentially $90 million over four years—carries risk for a player yet to prove he’s more than a slasher. The Kings could explore trading DeMar DeRozan instead, as his $23.4 million salary aligns better with Golden State’s needs, but the Warriors have shown no interest.

Sacramento’s Bigger Picture: A Playoff Push or a Risky Bet?

The Kings’ pursuit of Kuminga reflects their urgency to return to the playoffs after a disappointing season. With Sabonis, Murray, and LaVine as their core, adding Kuminga could create a dynamic, athletic lineup capable of competing in the West. However, the cost of losing Monk or Carter, combined with Kuminga’s hefty contract, could strain Sacramento’s cap flexibility, especially with Murray’s extension looming. An alternative strategy—moving DeRozan or smaller deals—might preserve assets while addressing roster needs. Yet, as Amick reports, the Kings’ focus on Kuminga suggests they see him as a transformative piece, not a marginal upgrade.

The Eastern Conference’s Cam Thomas, Josh Giddey, and Quentin Grimes face similar restricted free agency woes, but Kuminga’s unique blend of size, athleticism, and potential makes him Sacramento’s top target. An X user noted, “Kings are betting on Kuminga’s upside, but they’re risking a lot for a guy who hasn’t proven he’s a star yet.” The decision hinges on whether Sacramento believes Kuminga can evolve into a two-way force or if they’re overpaying for potential.

The Jonathan Kuminga saga is a high-stakes chess match between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. While the Warriors hold firm, leveraging their restricted free agency rights, the Kings are betting on Kuminga’s athleticism and playoff flashes to transform their roster. Trading Monk or Carter for a $25 million-per-year forward is a bold move, but Sacramento’s guard-heavy roster and playoff aspirations justify the gamble. Whether Kuminga thrives in Sacramento’s system or remains a one-dimensional slasher, the Kings’ pursuit signals their willingness to take risks for a postseason breakthrough. What do you think—should the Kings keep chasing Kuminga, or is it time to move on? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss Sacramento’s next move!