The NBA trade market is heating up, and the Sacramento Kings are making waves by drawing a hard line in their pursuit of Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. According to a bombshell report from The Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson, the Kings have declared rising star Keegan Murray and breakout guard Keon Ellis as untouchable in any potential sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga. This bold stance has sent shockwaves through the league, with rival teams, particularly the Warriors, left scrambling to adjust their expectations.
The Kings are clearly all-in on building around their young core, and they’re not willing to part with two of their brightest talents to land Kuminga. Anderson’s report reveals that the Warriors would have likely jumped at the chance to finalize a deal if either Murray or Ellis were on the table. However, a source with intimate knowledge of the trade talks confirmed that both players are completely off-limits, effectively stalling negotiations.
“The Sacramento Kings have not given up in their pursuit of a sign-and-trade deal for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga,” Anderson wrote. “But Murray and Ellis have not been discussed, and both are considered untouchable in talks for Kuminga.”
This firm stance underscores the Kings’ belief in Murray, a versatile forward who has emerged as a cornerstone of their roster, and Ellis, a tenacious guard whose defensive prowess and hustle have made him a fan favorite. Rather than sacrifice these key pieces, Sacramento appears ready to let the trade talks fizzle out.
The Kings haven’t been sitting idle, though. They reportedly put together a package featuring rookie standout Devin Carter, veteran forward Dario Saric, and a protected first-round pick. However, the Warriors have repeatedly turned down this offer, holding out for a heftier return. Insiders suggest Golden State is adamant about securing at least one unprotected first-round pick in any deal for Kuminga, a demand that has kept the two sides at an impasse.
“Kuminga wants a fresh start with a new team, and the Warriors have given him reason to question their commitment to him,” Anderson noted. “He likes the opportunity the Kings have presented, but the Warriors seem unwilling to accept a package featuring Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and draft compensation.”
This aligns with reporting from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, who indicated that the Warriors have their sights set on either Murray or Ellis as the centerpiece of any trade with their Pacific Division rivals. Without one of these players, Golden State appears reluctant to pull the trigger.
The Kings have made a strong impression on Kuminga, who is reportedly warming to the idea of donning a Sacramento jersey. On July 26, ESPN’s Anthony Slater revealed that Kuminga engaged in extensive discussions with Kings’ brass, including general manager Scott Perry, head coach Doug Christie, and assistant GM B.J. Armstrong. While the talks weren’t in person, the pitch was compelling enough to leave Kuminga “open-minded” about joining the Kings.
“He liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave,” Slater said on ESPN 1320 Sacramento. “It’s the first time he’s communicated with Scott Perry, Doug Christie, and B.J. Armstrong.”
Since then, the buzz around Kuminga’s interest in Sacramento has only grown. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears dropped another bombshell on the July 30 episode of NBA Today, reporting that Kuminga prefers a move to the Kings over the Phoenix Suns, another team vying for his services. The Kings have dangled a tantalizing opportunity: a starting role at power forward alongside Keegan Murray and All-Star center Domantas Sabonis.
“He wants to go [to Sacramento],” Spears said. “The Kings are offering a starting spot, as the power forward, next to Keegan Murray and Sabonis. He’s in.”
Despite Kuminga’s enthusiasm, the Warriors’ steep asking price remains a major hurdle. Spears noted that Golden State is unimpressed with Sacramento’s offer, particularly the protected first-round pick. The Warriors’ insistence on an unprotected pick or a more substantial asset like Murray or Ellis has kept the deal in limbo.
As the trade saga unfolds, the Kings’ unwavering commitment to their young core has sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Sacramento is building something special, and they won’t sacrifice their future for a quick fix. For now, Kuminga’s fate hangs in the balance, but one thing is certain—this blockbuster trade talk is far from over.