The Sacramento Kings are still interested in acquiring Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, but the team is not expected to include a future first-round draft pick in trade talks this time around.
Kings Still Want Jonathan Kuminga
Per ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, while Malik Monk could still be available in a potential trade package for Kuminga, the previously included first-round pick will likely not be part of Sacramento’s offer.
Both the Phoenix Suns and Kings expressed interest in sign-and-trade deals for Kuminga over the summer, but both teams’ roster needs have shifted since then.
The Sacramento Kings continue to have interest in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, but while Malik Monk might still be available in a package, the previously included first-round pick is no longer expected to be part of Sacramento’s offer, per @MarcJSpears. pic.twitter.com/Dnup4wX6VF
— APHoops (@APH00PS) December 8, 2025
Kuminga, who finally signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with the Warriors to end a prolonged contract dispute, is eligible to be traded starting Jan. 15.
As part of the deal, Kuminga also waived his inherent no-trade clause. The club option in the second year is designed for either Golden State or another team if and when Kuminga is traded this season.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported Sunday that Golden State is “expected to explore the Kuminga trade market in the weeks ahead as the probability of a split before the February deadline remains strong.”
Kuminga Has Fallen Out Of The Rotation
After starting the first 12 games of the season, Kuminga was demoted to a bench role amid struggles. The 6-foot-7 wing was then sidelined for seven games due to bilateral knee tendonitis.
Kuminga has since fallen out of the rotation entirely.
“I’m not really sure [how long it lasts],” Kuminga said Sunday, per Slater. “But as long as things are working out there and we winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything, changing. Whenever my number get called, I’ll be ready.”
Here’s Jonathan Kuminga’s full five-minute postgame availability on his DNP
“We just switched certain things. That’s all.”
“I’m not really sure (how long it lasts), but as long as things are working out there and we winning, I don’t see the point of switching anything.” pic.twitter.com/Ug6MCHMNsd
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 8, 2025
Through 17 appearances (13 starts) this season, Kuminga is averaging 12.4 points and career highs of 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting a career-low 43.8% from the field and 74.1% from the foul line.
“Happens to everybody pretty much, other than the stars,” Kerr replied when asked about not playing Kuminga. “Guys come in and out of the rotation, depending on who’s available, how the team is playing.”
Warriors Have Less Leverage Now
Since Kuminga’s trade value hasn’t improved since the summer, the Warriors have even less leverage now than they did when teams were inquiring about him during the offseason.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. was at one point seeking a protected first-round pick and a promising young player in return, but the Warriors will have to accept whatever is offered.
If the Kings decide to offer Golden State a future second-round pick and Malik Monk, the Warriors should consider accepting such a trade proposal.
The Dubs appear ready to move on from Kuminga at this juncture.
“I don’t have any problems,” Kuminga said. “I’m going to work out every day, stay ready, because you never know how these things works. I believe in my game and feel good about my game. I just got to be a professional. Things happen. It’s happened before.”
The Warriors will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
