One of the biggest storylines of this NBA offseason involves several high-profile teams, but none more intriguing than the Sacramento Kings and the project they appear to be building. Their ambitions could reach a new level if they manage to land both Jonathan Kuminga and Russell Westbrook ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, Sacramentoās front office still has significant work to do, even if they succeed in bringing in Kuminga and Westbrook. āThe Kings are hopeful to land both Kuminga and Westbrook, but to call it a ādream offseasonā would be an overstatement. Sacramentoās front office still has plenty of work to do,ā Weinbach said.
Itās worth noting that the Kings have reportedly already made an official offer for Kuminga. According to The Athleticās Sam Amick, Sacramento submitted a trade proposal to the Golden State Warriors for their young forward. The offer includes a three-year, $63 million contract, along with guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round draft pick.
While the deal provides enticing value for the Warriors, it also presents challenges. Accepting the trade would require Golden State to move additional pieces to stay under the first tax apron. That financial pressure is a key reason why the Warriors have yet to accept the deal. Golden State are reportedly holding out for a first-round pick with no protections, which would allow them greater flexibility without further roster adjustments.
On the Westbrook front, the Kings reportedly need to move at least one player to make the deal possible. āThe Kings are still looking to move a player like Devin Carter or Malik Monk before they can bring Westbrook in. The Kings have a logjam at the guard position and very little financial flexibility to work with,ā reported Matt George on X.
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NBA rumors: Jonathan Kuminga reportedly has a preferred destination ā and itās not the Suns
The possibility of losing Monk has sparked backlash among fans, especially considering heās coming off a career year and is nearly a decade younger than Westbrook.
Much of the current speculation revolves around whether Monk would be part of the Kuminga deal. While no agreement is finalized, itās a scenario that could create a win-win for both Sacramento and Golden State.
Until then, uncertainty remains. Westbrook is waiting on how the Kuminga situation unfolds, the Warriors continue to play hardball in negotiations, and the Kings are stuck in the middle. But if Sacramento pulls this off, it could emerge with a core worth watching closely heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
