Warriors secretly negotiate blockbuster: Trade Kuminga for 6-time All-Star superstar!
Warriors rising star Jonathan Kuminga (right)
Even as the Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly chosen the Sacramento Kings as his preferred destination, the two teams have been unable to work out a deal.
According to multiple insiders, the Warriors rejected a package headlined by Malik Monk, Devin Carter and a lottery-protected first-round pick, making it clear that they need at least one unprotected first-round pick to go with young assets. The Warriors have also reportedly asked for either Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis in a deal, only to be rebuffed by the Kings, who’ve made both players unavailable.
Amid the stalemate, Fadeaway World floated an idea that may work well for both the Warriors and Kings.
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Kings would receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade), Moses Moody
Warriors would receive: DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, 2026 Sacramento Kings first-round pick, 2026 Sacramento Kings second-round pick,
DeRozan Fits Warriors Timeline
While the six-time All-Star is no longer in his prime, he’s still a certified bucket-getter. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists on respectable 47/33/85 shooting splits, while serving as the late-game closer for the Kings.
The 36-year-old has two full seasons left on his contract, which could prove to be a risk for a Warriors team intent on scaling back expenses. However, he would fit into Golden State’s veteran roster featuring Stephen Curry, 37, Draymond Green, 35, and Jimmy Butler, 35, and the quartert may feel an urgency to chase a championship.
“[DeRozan’s] ability to operate in half-court sets, draw fouls, and initiate offense would ease the burden on Stephen Curry, who turns 38 next March,” read the article, making a case for DeRozan to join Golden State.
“And unlike Kuminga, DeRozan is a win-now piece, something the Warriors desperately need in what may be the final chapter of the Curry era.”
Not Interested in DeMar?
It’s worth noting that the Warriors are reportedly not interested in DeRozan as a centrepiece in a trade for Kuminga, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“My understanding is the Warriors weren’t interested in Carter or DeRozan,” Amick said on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast on July 30. “As of a couple of weeks ago, the Kings weren’t willing to pay Kuminga into the $20 million range (AAV).”
However, the package above could entice Golden State as it includes an unprotected first-round pick and a future second-round pick.
“In the end, this deal works financially, talent-wise, and narratively. The Warriors end the uncertainty around Kuminga, add a veteran scorer in DeRozan, and secure assets for the future. The Kings bet on youth and upside. For once, everyone wins.”
As for the Kings, the additions of Kuminga and Moody would add to their blossoming young core of Murray and Ellis.
“For the Kings, it’s a calculated risk with potentially huge upside. Kuminga still averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season on 45.4% shooting, despite inconsistent usage and tension within the Warriors’ coaching system. In Sacramento, he would thrive with more freedom and a defined role. Pairing him with Domantas Sabonis gives the Kings a dynamic duo in the Western Conference.
“Moses Moody, meanwhile, is coming off a quietly strong season with 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game and could fill DeRozan’s minutes as a cheaper 3-and-D wing option.”
Sai Mohan covers the NBA for Heavy.com. Based in Portugal, Sai is a seasoned sports writer with nearly two decades of publishing experience, including bylines at Yardbarker, FanSided’s Hoops Habit, International Business Times, Hindustan Times and more. More about Sai Mohan