Jonathan Kuminga has made it clear he has no desire to return to the Warriors.
Per Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal, NBA sources say Kuminga “really wants” to play for the Kings and has “zero interest” in suiting up for Golden State again.
Sacramento has already made a push. The Kings reportedly offered Malik Monk and a protected 2030 first-round pick in a sign-and-trade for Kuminga.
They also told the 22-year-old forward and his agent, Aaron Turner, that they’d be willing to hand him a three-year, $63 million contract with a player option in Year 3.
The Warriors, however, aren’t biting. Last week, Golden State countered with a three-year, $75.2 million deal of their own — but with a team option, not a player option. Kuminga turned that down.
His camp then presented a three-year, $82 million proposal with the player option included, but GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. rejected it.
Part of the tension stems from Kuminga’s relationship with Warriors coach Steve Kerr, which multiple reports have described as rocky.
By contrast, the Kings have told Kuminga they view him as a future All-Star and high-usage forward under head coach Doug Christie — something that strongly appeals to him.
Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season, though he played sparingly in the playoffs unless injuries forced Kerr’s hand.
The former No. 7 overall pick has until Oct. 1 to sign his $7.9 million qualifying offer.
If he does, he’ll hold a no-trade clause for this season and hit unrestricted free agency next summer, when multiple teams will have cap space to pursue him.
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