The Sacramento Kings have reportedly made Keegan Murray and guard Keon Ellis “off limits” in a possible Jonathan Kuminga trade with the Warriors.
According to the Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson, the Kings would prefer to let the potential trade die down rather than part with either Murray or Ellis. The report added that the Warriors would have likely already pulled the trigger on a trade if either player was included in the sign-and-trade package.
“The Sacramento Kings have not given up in their pursuit of a sign-and-trade deal for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga,” Anderson wrote.
“The Warriors would probably be quick to pull the trigger on a deal involving Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis. However, a source with knowledge of trade conversations told The Sacramento Bee that Murray and Ellis have not been discussed, and both are considered off limits in talks for Kuminga.”
Warriors Reject Sacramento’s Offer
The Kings reportedly made an offer featuring Devin Carter, Dario Saric and a protected first-round pick, which the Warriors repeatedly rejected. According to multiple insiders, the Warriors have insisted on at least one unprotected first-round pick in any Jonathan Kuminga trade.
“Kuminga wants a fresh start with a new team, and the Warriors have given him reason to question their commitment to him,” Anderson wrote.
“He likes the opportunity the Kings have presented, but the Warriors seem unwilling to accept a package featuring Devin Carter, Dario Saric and draft compensation, which could be a protected first-round pick or multiple second-round picks.”
Anderson’s reporting lines up with a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who noted that the Warriors “would likely want” either Ellis or Murray in a potential sign-and-trade with their Pacific Division rivals.
Warriors Want Ellis or Muray
On July 26, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Kuminga had extensive dialogue with the Kings brass and was seemingly sold on the idea of joining the team.
“Kuminga had contact with the Kings in the last couple of days, and it’s the first time he’s met (general manager) Scott Perry,” Slater said on ESPN 1320 Sacramento. “It wasn’t in person, but it’s the first time he’s communicated with Scott Perry, (coach) Doug Christie, and (assistant general manager) B.J. Armstrong. From what I gathered, he liked the pitch that Scott Perry gave. He’s open-minded to the idea of Sacramento.”
Since then, other insiders have suggested that Kuminga is warming up to the idea of joining the Kings. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Kuminga prefers a move to the Kings over the Phoenix Suns, the other team in pursuit of his services.
“He wants to go [to Sacramento],” Spears reported on the July 30 episode of “NBA Today” on ESPN. “The Kings are offering a starting spot, as the power forward, next to Keegan Murray and [Domantas] Sabonis.”
“He’s in. He wants to go there, but the Warriors don’t like the first [pick being offered],” said Spears, detailing Kuminga’s Zoom call with Kings GM Scott Perry, assistant GM BJ Armstrong, and head coach Doug Christie.
Two Kings Players ‘Off Limits’ in Jonathan Kuminga Trade: Report