The 2025 NBA offseason has been a rollercoaster of blockbuster trades and seismic roster shakeups, but one team’s silence stood out amidst the chaos: the Golden State Warriors. While the league buzzed with moves, the Warriors remained dormant, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. That silence, however, is about to be shattered as the Sacramento Kings have emerged as the frontrunners to land Golden State’s young star, Jonathan Kuminga, in a jaw-dropping $95 million deal that could reshape the Western Conference.
A Stalled Offseason Sparks Speculation
After weeks of swirling rumors, the Warriors have been at the center of trade talks involving Kuminga, their 22-year-old forward who dazzled last season with 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Despite his undeniable potential, Kuminga’s fit in Golden State’s system under head coach Steve Kerr has been questioned, culminating in a shocking decision to bench him entirely during the playoffs. Since then, speculation about his departure has dominated headlines, with the Sacramento Kings emerging as the most likely destination.
The Kings, eager to inject youth and upside into their roster, reportedly offered Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round picks in exchange for Kuminga. Initially, Golden State balked at the proposal, labeling it a “low-ball” offer. However, according to SBNation’s Ricky O’Donnell, the Warriors may soon relent, accepting the Kings’ package to offload Kuminga in a move that could redefine both franchises.
Why the Kings Are All-In on Kuminga
For Sacramento, landing Kuminga is a calculated gamble with massive upside. At just 22, Kuminga’s athleticism and raw talent make him a perfect fit for a Kings team looking to take bold swings in their quest to climb the Western Conference ladder. Unlike Golden State’s read-and-react offense, which struggled to harness Kuminga’s physical gifts, Sacramento’s fast-paced, high-energy style could unlock his potential as a dynamic scoring forward.
The Warriors balked at the Kings’ offer of Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-rounders for Jonathan Kuminga, considering it a “buy-low attempt,” league sources tell @anthonyVslater.
Golden State is in search of a promising young player and a first-rounder for Kuminga. pic.twitter.com/V1lLOJ6B1q
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 4, 2025
O’Donnell predicts the Kings will sign Kuminga to a four-year, $95 million contract, a bold investment in a player who could become a cornerstone for the franchise. While the price tag raises eyebrows, Sacramento’s lack of immediate championship pressure provides the perfect environment for Kuminga to develop into a star. “The Kings just need upside swings,” O’Donnell noted, “and Kuminga could finally leverage his physical gifts away from Kerr’s system.”
What’s in It for the Warriors?
For Golden State, the proposed trade package—Carter, Saric, and two second-round picks—offers immediate value and flexibility. Devin Carter, a standout from last year’s draft, brings tenacious point-of-attack defense and three-point shooting, addressing key needs for a Warriors team looking to retool around their championship core. Dario Saric, on an expiring contract, could either serve as a reliable rotation piece or be flipped in another deal to further bolster Golden State’s roster.
While some may argue the Warriors are selling low on Kuminga, O’Donnell believes the return is stronger than it appears. “I actually think that’s a nice return for a player who never fit well into Steve Kerr’s system,” he wrote. With the Warriors under pressure to maximize their championship window with Stephen Curry, this trade could provide the pieces needed to stay competitive.
A Deal That Could Shake the NBA
As the Warriors and Kings near an agreement, the ripple effects of this trade could be felt across the league. For Sacramento, Kuminga represents a high-upside addition to a young core hungry for a breakout season. For Golden State, the trade signals a shift toward prioritizing immediate contributors over long-term potential. With the 2025 offseason already living up to its “craziest ever” billing, this blockbuster deal could be the spark that ignites even more movement in the NBA.