The Golden State Warriors remain locked in an elongated restricted free agency dilemma with their disgruntled forward Jonathan Kuminga.
The former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft seems headed towards the qualifying offer, which essentially shakes out to a one-year deal that includes a no-trade clause.
Golden State risks losing its 22-year-old ascending star for nothing if they can't come to terms on a long-term extension with his representation, and because of that, it may be worth looking into trading him now ahead of the October 1 deadline for RFA negotiations.
Warriors Trade Idea Sends Jonathan Kuminga to the Kings for Malik Monk
Christopher Kline of Fansided recently proposed a trade that would send Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings, allowing him the opportunity to be a No. 1 option on a team that needs it.
Sacramento Kings receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors receive: Malik Monk, Dario Saric, SAC 2030 first-round pick
"The reported offer from Sacramento in Malik Monk (and matching salary) and a 2030 first-round pick. That feels like a no-brainer for the Dubs. Monk is a better player and he'd bring more life to the second unit," wrote Kline.
"Golden State still lacks perimeter shot-making aside from Steph, and Monk can create his own offense in bursts. He has also developed into a functional point guard with a far more wide-ranging skill set than he possessed coming out of Kentucky. Monk's work ethic and developmental arc deserves serious praise."
Malik Monk, runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award in the 2023-24 season, would provide a valuable scoring punch off the bench for Golden State.
The Warriors can't be relying on a 37-year-old Steph Curry to play 40 minutes a game every night, and having the former Kentucky standout spell their franchise legend would be a perfect solution to Curry's minutes on the bench.
Golden State needs to be proactive when it comes to the current Kuminga situation, and recoup some value before they risk losing him for nothing in the Summer of 2026.