Warriors are planning a big deal: Kumingga may become a bargaining chip for Sabonis ‌

Recent league news shows that the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings are discussing a deal involving All-Star center Domantas Sabonis. After the Kings missed the playoffs this season, the management actively sought lineup upgrades, while the Warriors aimed at the inside to strengthen their opportunities, and there was a clear trade fit between the two sides.

Trading framework and motivation‌

Warriors’ needs‌: The team has long lacked top inside players. Sabonis’s ability to respond (4.4 assists per game) and rebound dominance (12.3) can perfectly adapt to Curry-led pass and cut system, making up for Green’s lack of height‌.

Kings Motivation: Kumingga's young potential (averages 18 points + 7 rebounds in the second round of the playoffs) is in line with the team's reconstruction direction, and his chaotic style is more compatible with the Kings' fast offensive and defensive rhythm.

Potential Plan: The Warriors may send Jonathan Kumingga, Buddy Hilde (salary balance) and the first round of 2026 pick in exchange for Sabonis. Hilder's three-point shooting percentage fell to 37.1% this season, but the contract can free up $16 million in space for the Kings in the remaining three years.

Risk and Controversy‌

Warriors’ gamble‌: Although Sabonis can improve his combat power, if Kumingga realizes his talent in the king (if he grows into a star striker), the Warriors may face the risk of "investment and enemy".

Salary pressure‌: Kumingga’s contract renewal expects to reach an annual salary of $35 million. The Warriors had previously refused to renew their contract in advance, and the transaction could avoid the burden of luxury taxes in the future.

The Kings' Choice: Sending off the core center requires evaluating whether the returns match. If you only win Kumingga + in the first round, the Warriors may need to add young players (such as Moody's) or draft picks.

If the impact of the transaction is reached‌

Warriors‌: Sabonis+Curry+Green’s internal and external combination will directly strive for the championship, especially to improve the ability to fight against inside teams such as the Nuggets and the Lakers in the playoffs‌.

Kings: Rebuilding around Fox + Kuminga, accelerating the process of youth, but they need to bear the risk of reconstruction of the offensive system after Sabonis left the team.

The negotiations are still in their early stages, but both teams have strong motivation to push the deal. If the situation is completed, this may become a key operation to change the western landscape this summer.