Updated Warriors Trade Rumors on Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler, Bulls, Kings, Wizards
The Golden State Warriors reportedly are fielding trade interest for forward Jonathan Kuminga from a trio of teams.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports reported that the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards "all have different levels of interest" in Kuminga. While the young forward appears to be a top candidate to be moved, Johnson added that the Warriors "haven't shown any interest in trading" veteran wing Jimmy Butler just a year after acquiring him.
The Kings pursued Kuminga when he was a restricted free agent this past summer, and ESPN's Anthony Slater reported on Wednesday that there "remains mutual interest" between the two sides.
"[Kings general manager Scott Perry] visited Kuminga in Miami when he was a restricted free agent, league sources said, cultivating a relationship that could still lead to a business partnership," Slater stated.
The Athletic's Sam Amick also provided a detailed breakdown of where talks stand with less than a month until the deadline:
"The Kings are widely seen as the leader in the Kuminga clubhouse, with league sources revealing that they talked with the Warriors last week and are expected to circle back soon. Yet because the Warriors have shown no interest in the Kings' many available veterans, a third team likely will be required to get something done.
"There's this key development, too: While the Kings offered a protected 2030 first-round pick and Monk when they tried to land Kuminga via sign-and-trade in the summer, league sources say the first-round pick is no longer in play. With Kuminga's Warriors role disappearing this season, and his frayed relationship with coach Steve Kerr an open secret, this is (potentially) the price Golden State will pay for that crucial loss in leverage with other teams."
The Bulls and Wizards could have some work to do if they hope to surpass the Kings in the pursuit of Kuminga ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
As for Butler, his $54.1 million salary is the type of contract that would need to be included in any deal to acquire Dallas Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis. Johnson noted that the Mavs "initiated contact with the Warriors about their thoughts on trading for" Davis, but they "also like" Kuminga. They reportedly "do not have interest in [Draymond Green], whose $25.8 million contract would be needed in a deal to get Davis, who's making $54.1 million."
Still, the Mavs are running out of time to find a landing spot for Davis before he becomes eligible for a $275 million max deal this summer. The Warriors could look to put together a package centered around Kuminga if they hope to acquire Davis and set themselves up as title contenders in the Western Conference.
