Despite ongoing interest in Jonathan Kuminga, the Sacramento Kings have not made Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis available in any trade discussions with the Golden State Warriors, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
Speaking on 95.7 The Game, Amick clarified that Sacramento’s trade offer centered on Malik Monk in a sign-and-trade, along with a protected 2030 first-round pick, but did not involve either Murray or Ellis.
“So, it feels like that the focus for the Warriors… I was actually told that Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis have not even been discussed,” Amick said, via HoopsHype.
Golden State, however, has reportedly pushed back on the pick protections, asking instead for a completely unprotected 2030 first-rounder.
Amick noted that if the Kings remove the protections, the deal could move forward quickly: “It feels like the focus is more on the pick than it is them trying to get any other young prospects from the Kings.”
Kuminga, 22, remains a restricted free agent after declining a two-year, $45 million offer from Golden State that included a team option and no trade protection.
He has since expressed interest in joining the Kings, reportedly speaking directly with Sacramento executives and coaching staff during a Zoom meeting, as detailed by Marc J. Spears.
Sacramento’s pitch involves a three-year, $63 million sign-and-trade framework that would establish Kuminga as the starting power forward next to Domantas Sabonis and Murray.
The stalemate appears rooted in Golden State’s broader roster strategy. According to Amick, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has grown frustrated with Kuminga’s limitations and the front office is prioritizing maintaining the forward’s salary slot.
With Jimmy Butler now in the mix alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors want to preserve future cap flexibility and avoid losing the asset for nothing if Kuminga accepts his $7.9 million qualifying offer and gains a no-trade clause.
“They’re trying to thread the needle here,” Amick explained. “That’s where it goes back to the staring contest.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater have also reported that Golden State has paused all Kuminga sign-and-trade negotiations for now.
The Kings remain hopeful to land Kuminga but have shown no willingness to include core pieces like Murray or Ellis, and it remains to be seen if they will lift pick protections to close the gap.
