The Golden State Warriors’ high-upside forward Jonathan Kuminga is viewed as a prime sign-and-trade candidate for various franchises.
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer recently reported that the Dubs could send Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a Los Angeles Lakers reject.
“I've confirmed that the (New Orleans) Pelicans hold an interest in Kuminga, but various team salary cap experts have pointed out to me that New Orleans has no easy route to take Kuminga on its books at his desired contract range,” Fischer wrote Wednesday.
“The cap gymnastics needed to keep the Pelicans out of the luxury tax — which has been a perennial priority for ownership — are described as considerable.”
“Sources say that Sacramento, meanwhile, would be interested in including Malik Monk in any outgoing trade package, but nothing substantial has materialized with the Warriors.”
Kuminga shockingly decided to bet on himself last offseason by declining a five-year, $150 million contract extension with Golden State following an encouraging 2023-24 campaign.
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Unfortunately, the 22-year-old pro’s risky decision has seemingly backfired, as Kuminga took a step back this past season.
After the former lottery pick suffered an early-January ankle sprain, he was an afterthought on the Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler-led Warriors.
Steve Kerr limited Kuminga’s minutes near the end of the year.
Although the fourth-year contributor was arguably the organization’s MVP during its second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves (he averaged 20.2 points per game), Kerr has stated that he’s far from a perfect fit.
Acquiring Monk, who spent the 2021-22 campaign with the Lakers before the franchise moved on from him, would be a solid pickup from the Warriors.
The Kentucky product hasn’t figured out his long-range jumper in the big leagues (35.0% three-point shooter), but he’s an above-the-rim slasher capable of heating up quickly.
Monk averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds with the Kings last season, shooting 43.9% from the field and 32.5% from three.
Perhaps the Warriors and Kings will partner this summer to complete a meaningful deal.
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