Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga wants to join the Sacramento Kings and has already engaged in direct talks with the franchise, according to veteran NBA reporter Marc J. Spears.
Appearing on ESPN’s NBA Today, Spears stated that Kuminga “wants to go,” with Sacramento offering a starting role at power forward alongside Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis.
Spears revealed that Kuminga held a Zoom meeting with Kings general manager Scott Perry, assistant GM B.J. Armstrong, and head coach Doug Christie, signaling serious mutual interest.
Despite Sacramento’s offer of a four-year deal and a defined role, the Warriors have halted all sign-and-trade discussions, as reported by Shams Charania and Anthony Slater on ESPN.
Golden State previously offered Kuminga a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option for Year 2 and no no-trade clause.
The 22-year-old declined that offer, and has made it clear he won’t accept any contract that doesn’t include control over his future.
Kuminga is now considering the qualifying offer — a one-year, $7.9 million deal that expires on October 1 — which would grant him a no-trade clause and lead to unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Charania reported that both the Kings and the Suns have submitted offers for the restricted free agent, but neither met Golden State’s asking price.
Sacramento’s proposal included a conditional first-round pick and a rotation player, while Phoenix offered second-round picks and salary filler due to limited assets.
Golden State is holding firm, demanding an unprotected first-round pick or a sign-and-trade that preserves long-term cap flexibility.
According to Slater, the Warriors believe they still have the leverage due to Kuminga’s restricted status and are confident he will accept one of their offers or sign the qualifying deal.
However, the impasse has raised internal concerns about potential disruption to training camp, especially with veterans like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green focused on a postseason run.
Kuminga averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season and started 46 games for the Warriors.
