Warriors Reportedly Prefer Not to Trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings Amid NBA Free Agency

Jonathan Kuminga is potentially on his way out of Golden State this summer via a sign-and-trade, but the Warriors reportedly aren't interested in partnering with their in-state rival in a trade.

Per ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the Kings' "sign-and-trade conversations with the Warriors never gained traction," and Golden State prefers "not to send him to the Kings."

Kuminga is a restricted free agent this offseason after the Warriors extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer last month. If a team is interested in signing Kuminga, Golden State would have the chance to match any offer sheet he receives.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported in June that the Warriors are expected to explore sign-and-trade options for Kuminga. Slater also last week noted that Golden State is hoping for "a promising young player plus a first-round pick" in exchange for Kuminga.

While the Warriors might not be interested in doing business with their division rival, the Kings might make it impossible not to at least entertain an offer. Slater reported on Sunday that the Kings have been the "strongest pursuer" of Kuminga so far. While Sacramento's offer to Golden State is unclear, it seems it could be the best the team has received thus far.

But if the Warriors are adamant about not trading with the Kings and have no other enticing offers from around the league, it's always possible that Kuminga stays put this offseason. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported last week that there's a feeling among teams that Kuminga will return to Golden State on a "short-term contract."

That could be the best option for Kuminga as he looks to prove his worth before hitting unrestricted free agency.

Kuminga is coming off a season in which he put up 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. While his numbers weren't bad, there was only so much he could do from his role on the bench. If head coach Steve Kerr trusts him a bit more in his fifth season, it could mean a breakout year for the 22-year-old.