The NBA offseason is no stranger to wild trade rumors, but the Sacramento Kings took things to a new level of absurdity last week with a reported trade offer for Golden State Warriors’ rising star Jonathan Kuminga. The proposed deal, which went viral and left Warriors fans oscillating between amusement and disbelief, was so lackluster it’s been dubbed a “national joke” across the league.
As first reported by NBC Sports insiders Ali Thanawalla and Tristi Rodriguez, the Kings were part of a three-team trade discussion that would have sent Kuminga and Dennis Schroder to Sacramento, Malik Monk to the Detroit Pistons, and a paltry package of Dario Saric, Devin Carter, and two second-round picks to Golden State. The Warriors, unsurprisingly, didn’t hesitate to slam the door on this underwhelming offer, and recent developments have only made the Kings’ proposal look even more laughable.
Devin Carter’s Summer League Flop Fuels the Fire
The centerpiece of Sacramento’s offer, rookie Devin Carter, was expected to bring some intrigue to the trade talks. However, his performance in the Kings’ Summer League opener in Las Vegas last week was anything but inspiring. The 23-year-old lottery pick, who was sidelined until January due to surgery for a torn labrum, struggled mightily in his debut. In nearly 24 minutes as Sacramento’s starting point guard, Carter managed just eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, shooting a dismal 2-of-14 (14.3%) from the field and missing all four of his three-point attempts.
Devin Carter already shaking his right shoulder.
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) July 10, 2025
For Kings fans hoping to see their prized rookie shine, the performance was a letdown. For Warriors fans, it was a vindicating moment, reinforcing Golden State’s decision to reject the trade. Carter’s inefficient outing, coupled with lingering concerns about his shoulder injury, did little to boost his trade value or validate Sacramento’s belief that he could headline a deal for a talent like Kuminga. If anything, it highlighted just how far off the mark the Kings’ offer was.
Why the Warriors Said “No Thanks”
The Warriors’ swift rejection of the trade wasn’t just about Carter’s lackluster Summer League debut. The entire package offered by Sacramento was a head-scratcher from the start. Dario Saric, a former Warrior, is a serviceable veteran but hardly a game-changer, and his inclusion felt more like a nostalgic afterthought than a serious asset. The two second-round picks? Mere crumbs in the context of a deal for a player of Kuminga’s caliber. And then there’s Carter, whose injury history and unproven NBA potential make him a risky bet as the centerpiece of any blockbuster trade.
Devin Carter already sitting, not great!
— Professor OAK 🇵🇸 (@o_a_khan) July 10, 2025
For Golden State, trading Kuminga—a former seventh overall pick with sky-high potential and a knack for explosive athleticism—would require a far more compelling return. The 22-year-old forward is entering restricted free agency, and while his future with the Warriors remains uncertain, his value around the league is undeniable. The Kings’ offer didn’t just undervalue Kuminga; it borderline insulted him.
The Trade That Never Was
I’m going to save my Devin Carter takes but if this basketball stuff doesn’t work out the Raiders should hit him up to roam the secondary
— Jack Dann (@JackDannKF) July 11, 2025
To add another layer of irony, the original three-team deal is now off the table entirely. Sacramento and Detroit moved forward with a sign-and-trade involving Dennis Schroder, leaving Golden State out of the equation. While the Kings and Warriors could still explore a Kuminga sign-and-trade in the coming weeks, it’s clear that Carter won’t be the main asset heading to the Bay Area—and he shouldn’t be. Sacramento will need to dig deeper into their roster or draft capital if they want to pry Kuminga away from Golden State.
Kuminga’s Future and the Warriors’ Next Move
As the Summer League rolls on in Las Vegas, all eyes are on Kuminga and his ongoing restricted free agency saga. More than 10 days into the free agency period, the former lottery pick is set to meet with the Warriors and other interested teams to discuss his future. Meanwhile, Golden State is gearing up for their first Vegas Summer League game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, coming off a 1-2 record in the California Classic.
For Warriors fans, the Kings’ trade offer is a reminder of just how valuable Kuminga is to the franchise’s future. His blend of athleticism, defensive versatility, and untapped offensive potential makes him a cornerstone worth building around—or at the very least, a player who commands a far better return than what Sacramento put on the table. For now, the Warriors can only shake their heads at the Kings’ audacity, while the rest of the NBA chuckles at a trade package that never stood a chance.