As Atlanta gauges the market for the athletic forward, Sacramento’s long-standing pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga faces complex financial hurdles that could delay a high-stakes draft week reunion.
The Sacramento Kings and Jonathan Kuminga trade saga could resurface ahead of next week's draft, as Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the Atlanta Hawks are gauging Kuminga's market.
Atlanta isn't in a hurry to trade the 23-year-old forward, as there is a possibility he returns next season. However, his availability could catch the Kings' attention, considering their history.
Sacramento attempted to trade for Kuminga last offseason, when he and the Golden State Warriors did not see eye to eye on a contract extension. The two teams negotiated for an extended period, but could not agree on pick protections.
The Kings offered a rotation player and a protected first-round pick in return for Kuminga. Golden State wanted the pick unprotected, and a potential influence on its decision-making was the trade of a young player to a division rival.
Kuminga and the Warriors ended the drama-filled contract extension saga when he agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract last September. The second year of his deal contains a team option, which Atlanta has until June 29 to pick up or decline.
The 6-foot-7 forward played 20 games for Golden State before demanding a trade when he became eligible. He was traded to the Hawks in return for center Kristaps Porzingis, a player-for-player swap.
Atlanta's new acquisition played 22 total games for the team (16 in the regular season and six in the playoffs). Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the regular season and 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and one assist in the Hawks' six-game first-round series against the New York Knicks.
Acquiring Kuminga would bolster Sacramento's front court and athleticism. However, it's difficult to see the Kings registering trade interest in the Congolese forward.
The Kings are a first apron team, meaning they cannot take back more money than they send out. For example, general manager Scott Perry couldn't execute a player swap with guard Malik Monk ($18 million) because Kuminga makes five million more.
Sacramento couldn't trade Hunter for him as well, as he makes $400,000 fewer. In short, it's extremely difficult to trade for Kuminga before the new fiscal year.
It becomes easier to trade for the Hawks forward on July 1, when the new fiscal year begins. Perry could package Hunter and picks or Monk, Devin Carter and picks.
The issue with those packages is that Hunter used to play for the Hawks, and Carter is a young guard who developed last season. Atlanta's interest in Hunter could be minimal, and Sacramento could not be interested in parting with young talent.
Although the Kings and Kuminga trade saga occurred last offseason, it may not rekindle this offseason.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
