The Golden State Warriors entered the offseason with a clear mission: if they were to part ways with their restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, they wanted a hefty return. A young, high-potential player paired with an unprotected first-round pick was the reported asking price for the dynamic forward. Yet, as the summer trade market unfolded, it became painfully clear that the demand for restricted free agents was colder than a San Francisco fog. Teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat quickly backed off, unwilling to meet Golden State’s steep demands. But the Sacramento Kings? They came knocking with an intriguing offer—one that, in hindsight, the Warriors should be thrilled they passed on.
The Kings, division rivals with a knack for bold moves, put forward a package centered around rookie guard Devin Carter, veteran forward Dario Saric, and two second-round picks. Later, they sweetened the pot with an alternative deal involving Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick. On paper, both offers had appeal. Carter, a scrappy defensive standout, seemed like the kind of hustle-driven player who could thrive in Golden State’s system. Monk, meanwhile, offered scoring punch and a protected pick as a cherry on top. But the Warriors, in a stroke of either brilliance or caution, decided to hold firm and wait out the Kuminga situation.
And boy, does it look like they dodged a bullet.
NBA analyst Sam Vecenie recently dropped a bombshell on his Game Theory Podcast that should make every Warriors fan breathe a sigh of relief. Speaking about Devin Carter, Vecenie expressed serious concerns about the young guard’s development, particularly his shooting mechanics. “I’m more worried about where the shot is going than anything,” Vecenie said. “The shot continues to get hitchier and hitchier… I’m worried that it’s going to take some time to work through [his] shoulder injury.”
Carter’s rookie season with the Kings wasn’t exactly a highlight reel. He posted a lackluster 43.9% from the field and a dismal 29.5% from beyond the arc. While a shoulder injury delayed his start last season, Carter showed promise as a tenacious defender, diving for loose balls and embodying the gritty intangibles that coaches love. But the red flags were there—especially that hitchy shot. For a Warriors team built on fluid ball movement and deadly perimeter shooting, Carter’s offensive limitations could have been a glaring mismatch.
Had Golden State pulled the trigger on the Carter-centric deal, they might have been stuck with a player whose development is now shrouded in uncertainty. His shoulder injury, combined with a shooting form that’s reportedly getting worse, suggests he’s far from the polished piece or high-upside prospect the Warriors are seeking in return for Kuminga.
Golden State’s roster is at a crossroads. With Stephen Curry still defying age and gravity, the team is in win-now mode, but they also need pieces that can grow alongside their core. Kuminga, with his athleticism, versatility, and untapped potential, is a rare asset—a player who could either blossom into a star or serve as a cornerstone in a blockbuster trade. Trading him for anything less than a game-changer would be a misstep.
The Warriors’ front office seems to understand this. They’re not looking for a project like Carter, whose mechanical issues could take years to iron out. Instead, they want either a raw, high-ceiling talent who can develop into a star or a plug-and-play contributor who can slot seamlessly into their rotation. The Kings’ offers, while tempting, didn’t check either box. Carter’s defensive hustle is admirable, but his offensive game is a work in progress. Monk, while a dynamic scorer, comes with a protected pick that dilutes the long-term value. The Warriors saw through the smoke and mirrors and wisely held their ground.
By passing on Sacramento’s offers, the Warriors are betting on Kuminga’s value rising as the season progresses. The trade deadline, when contending teams get desperate and tanking teams get bold, could be the perfect time to strike. Teams that balked at Golden State’s demands this summer might come back to the table with better offers, especially if Kuminga showcases his potential early in the season. An unprotected first-round pick, a high-upside young player, or even an established veteran could be within reach.
For now, the Warriors are playing the long game, and it’s hard to argue with their logic. Kuminga’s upside is too valuable to squander on a deal that doesn’t move the needle. And with Vecenie’s comments shedding light on Carter’s struggles, it’s clear Golden State avoided a potential disaster.
In a way, the Warriors owe a tip of the cap to fate. The Kings’ offer might have looked shiny at the time, but it was a trap wrapped in fool’s gold. By holding out, Golden State not only preserved Kuminga’s value but also dodged a player whose development is now raising serious questions. It’s almost as if the basketball gods played a prank on the Kings, dangling Carter as a trade chip only for his flaws to surface soon after.
As the season unfolds, the Warriors have time to survey the market and find the perfect deal for Kuminga—one that aligns with their championship aspirations and long-term vision. For now, Warriors fans can rest easy knowing their front office didn’t fall for fate’s trick. Kuminga stays, and the hunt for the right trade package continues. Sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make.