Lakers emerge as a new contender for Jonathan Kuminga, potentially derailing Kings' trade plans despite putting forth a limited offer.
The Sacramento Kings have had their eye on Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga for a good while, but other potential suitors could wreck the rebuilding franchise's game-plan.
At just 23 years old, the 2022 NBA champion and incredibly explosive wing should gain plenty of interest from other front office's around the association, but Sacramento had long held status as the only seriously interested party.
That was until Monday, when it was revealed by Forbes' Evan Sidery that another Western Conference contender had connected with Golden State to conduct exploratory talks centered around the forward with potential All-Star upside.
Now, it appears as though the Kings will have to haggle with Golden State even more thanks to the introduction of a new competitor on the scene before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
"The Lakers and Warriors have conducted brief trade discussions involving Jonathan Kuminga," Sidery shared via X on Monday.
"Los Angeles appears willing to offer the expiring contracts of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber alongside a 2032 2nd-round pick," Sidery continued.
"Golden State is not showing any legit interest in LA’s assets."
While it might rub Kings fans the wrong way that Los Angeles has inserted themselves into the conversation as a potential Kuminga landing spot, there's still plenty of hope that Sacramento will ultimately be the franchise that Golden State chooses to move forward with in talks.
It makes plenty of sense that the Warriors hold little interest in any players that the Lakers could send out in return, especially the likes of Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. That, right there, is the difference between the Lakers and Kings, as Sacramento has a plethora of real, difference-making talents who can help a contender in this moment.
The Kings have no issue with letting go of a Malik Monk or Keon Ellis in a deal of this nature, as long as their return is satisfactory. In fact, they're actively seeking it out in exchange for solid young talent and/or first-round draft capital.
Los Angeles is aiming to remain in contention with Luka Dončić and LeBron James at the helm, making it increasingly difficult for the storied franchise to let go of any real talent. Since Sacramento is fully embracing the tank, they're free to dump any and all of their more valued assets, making conversations much easier between the Kings' general manager Scott Perry and Golden State's Mike Dunleavy.
The two sides have struggled to this point to come together on a deal centered around the rising wing, but there's reason to believe that any and all update regarding the Lakers' interest in Kuminga are to be taken with a few grains of salt prior to deadline day.
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