One of the lengthiest storylines in this NBA free agency period continues to revolve around the future of Golden State Warriors rising star Jonathan Kuminga. While the situation appears to be taking shape, his next destination remains unclear. According to multiple reports, Kuminga has a preferred landing spot—and it’s not the Phoenix Suns.
While the Warriors are actively working to retain the 22-year-old forward, Kuminga has reportedly expressed interest in joining the Sacramento Kings. Both the Kings and the Suns are considered frontrunners in the race to land Kuminga this offseason. Although a sign-and-trade deal appears to be the most likely outcome, no significant progress has been made, as Golden State is not satisfied with the trade packages currently on the table.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, Kuminga has made it known he would welcome a move to Sacramento. ESPN’s Marc Spears reported: “He wants to go. The Kings are offering a starting spot at power forward next to Keegan Murray, next to Sabonis. He’s talked on a Zoom call with Scott Perry, BJ Armstrong, and also with the head coach. So he’s in. He wants to go there, but the Warriors don’t like the first.”
By “the first,” Spears is referring to a conditional first-round pick included in the Kings’ offer. The Warriors have been transparent about their expectations: they are unlikely to approve any deal that doesn’t include an unprotected first-round pick. Without meeting that condition, Golden State appears unwilling to move forward.
Sacramento could prove to be the right fit for Kuminga. The Kings have the structure to build a long-term project around him, especially if they fully tap into his upside. With the presence of Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schroder—who briefly overlapped with Kuminga in Golden State—the environment could offer both leadership and on-court synergy.
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Kuminga’s preference for the Kings adds an interesting wrinkle to his free agency. Golden State has reportedly offered him a two-year, $40 million deal, but ESPN’s Shams Charania notes the Kings are countering with a four-year, $90 million contract. The Sacramento offer includes a player option in the final year, which provides added flexibility not present in the Warriors’ reported team-option deal.
Still, the Warriors retain the final say over Kuminga’s fate. Unless a new offer emerges that meets their criteria, Golden State is expected to hold firm. The franchise remains optimistic that Kuminga will stay on their roster through the upcoming season.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Kuminga’s future remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the NBA offseason. Whether he ends up in Sacramento or remains with Golden State, the decision could reshape the competitive landscape in the Western Conference.
