Recent cap maneuvers have cleared a path for Sacramento to outbid rivals. The Kings now hold the financial leverage to secure the athletic forward and bolster their defense.
With the recent waiving of DeMar DeRozan, the Sacramento Kings' front office has gotten the franchise close to being out of the luxury tax.
However, Sacramento could still make moves and stay under certain thresholds, as Spotrac's Keith Smith outlined on Sactown Sports' The Drive Guys.
"They’re now under both aprons comfortably," Smith said on Wednesday. "They’re about $4 million under the luxury tax, they’re about $9 million or so under the first apron."
This would allow the Kings to pursue another contract worth $8-$10 million annually, with more flexibility if the front office decides to stretch DeRozan's $10 million signing bonus over the next few seasons.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga remains a potential target for Sacramento, as he has frequently been connected to the Kings.
Using a potential mid-level exception, Kuminga could be in line for a $10-$15 million prove-it deal from the Kings, which seems to be the top-offer he will receive.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also interested in Kuminga, would likely only be able to offer a a two-year, $20-million contract, while a sign-and-trade would likely be needed to facilitate the deal.
Not only could the Kings offer Kuminga more money, but their current cap situation would also diminish the need for a sign-and-trade, giving the Hawks more incentive to look elsewhere from the Lakers.
"I do think there’s a chance we could still see him with the Kings," Smith said. "Especially again as his market kind of dries up there."
After being traded from the Golden State Warriors midway through last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in Atlanta.
Kuminga's athletic ability and physical upside have always been the main intrigue with the former No. 7 overall pick, as he moves extremely well for his size and stature.
For the Kings, who are still looking to acquire more length and defensive ability next to the offensive-minded backcourt pair of Darius Acuff Jr. and Zach LaVine, Kuminga would fit nicely.
"We wanna continue adding people that are tough, athletic, and that are gonna fit into the style we wanna play," General Manager Scott Perry said earlier this week.
Not only does Kuminga check those boxes, but he also fits the timeline of Sacramento's young core.
Kuminga has also played in many different roles throughout his career, giving head coach Doug Christie flexibility with lineup construction should the team land him.
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