According to league insiders, the 22-year-old forward has made it crystal clear — he no longer wants to wear Golden State Warriors blue and gold. His sights? The up-and-coming Sacramento Kings.
Kuminga, a restricted free agent, has reportedly told those close to him he has “zero interest” in returning to Steve Kerr’s rotation in San Francisco. The Kings, hungry to bolster their young core, have jumped into the mix and see him as an All-Star caliber piece who could thrive under new head coach Doug Christie. Word is Sacramento already pitched a three-year, $63 million deal with a player option, giving Kuminga the control he’s been craving.
Jonathan Kuminga turned down a three-year, $75.2M deal with a team option in the 3rd season at Golden State.
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 17, 2025
He is ‘miserable’, Tim MacMahon reports.
The forward “really wants” to play for the Kings and has “zero interest” in playing for the Warriors again.
“The Kings told… pic.twitter.com/hsFv4WsCk2
Golden State, however, isn’t making this easy. The Kings dangled Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-rounder in a sign-and-trade package, but Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. didn’t bite. Instead, the Dubs countered with their own three-year, $75.2 million offer — but with a team option attached. Kuminga’s camp rejected it outright, countering with $82 million and a player option in Year 3. Talks stalled immediately.
The tension between Kuminga and Kerr is no secret, either. Sources say the relationship soured over inconsistent minutes and role frustrations. During last year’s playoffs, Kuminga only saw meaningful action when injuries to Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry forced Kerr’s hand. Despite limited opportunities, he still averaged 15.3 points while shooting nearly 45% from the field — flashes of the untapped potential that has rival teams intrigued.
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| Jonathan Kuminga. Photo: Getty Images. |
For Sacramento, the fit feels perfect. The Kings want a dynamic, two-way forward to complement Domantas Sabonis. They’ve assured Kuminga he’d be given a central role, high usage, and the freedom to play his game — music to the ears of a player eager to prove he’s more than just a rotation piece.
Still, Golden State holds the cards. Kuminga’s qualifying offer sits at $7.9 million. If he signs it, he gets a no-trade clause for the season and hits unrestricted free agency in 2026 — free to walk wherever he pleases.
The Sacramento Kings view Jonathan Kuminga as an All-Star and want to give him a high usage rate, per @DALHoopsJournal
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 16, 2025
“Kuminga doesn’t have a good relationship with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, sources said. The Kings told Kuminga they view him as an All-Star forward who… pic.twitter.com/ZHhv6Nz0K7
The clock is ticking. With training camp looming and October 1 as the deadline, the question now is simple: will the Warriors cash in on their young forward, or risk losing him for nothing next summer?
One thing’s for sure — Kuminga’s saga has officially become one of the biggest storylines of the NBA offseason.

