Kings unwilling to include first-rounder for Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga

The Kings like Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. They just don’t like him that much.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Sacramento has been the one team to put real action behind its interest in Kuminga. That much hasn’t changed. What has changed is the price the Kings are willing to pay.

Over the summer, league chatter suggested Sacramento was open to including a protected first-round pick in talks for the Warriors forward. Scotto says that is no longer the case.

As things stand now, a first-rounder is not on the table, and there’s little indication that stance will shift before the deadline.

Kuminga fits the age curve and the athletic profile, but he also comes with an extension decision and real cost uncertainty.

From Golden State’s side, that’s a problem. The Warriors have made it clear they aren’t interested in moving Kuminga for spare parts. If Sacramento isn’t willing to part with a first, it’s hard to see traction.

Deadlines have a way of changing leverage. But for now, this looks like interest without commitment — and a reminder that liking a player and paying for him are two very different things.