The Golden State Warriors might be preparing for one of the boldest roster decisions of the season. Recent reports suggest that the front office could explore trading Jonathan Kuminga to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran small forward DeMar DeRozan. Despite Kuminga’s new contract, the possibility of a move continues to circulate across the league. The deal would give Golden State a proven scorer to complement Stephen Curry, while Sacramento would gain a young athlete with long-term potential and additional draft assets as the 2025–26 trade deadline approaches.
Trade Speculation Heating Up
The Warriors are reportedly set to begin the season with Kuminga still on the roster, but league insiders claim that multiple teams have already received calls from Golden State in recent months. Kuminga remains both an asset and an uncertainty. His athletic gifts are undeniable, yet his fit in Steve Kerr’s complex system has never felt complete.
NBA analyst Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report suggested that the Warriors may revisit a deal involving Kuminga before the deadline. Among the most talked-about scenarios is a potential trade with the Kings that could bring six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to San Francisco.
A Potential Swap on the Horizon
According to Bailey, Sacramento was one of the teams that showed serious interest in Kuminga during the summer. A sign-and-trade was initially difficult due to salary-matching rules, but those restrictions will no longer apply later in the season. With Kuminga’s new salary sitting at a manageable number, the deal now looks more realistic.
If this trade were to happen, Golden State would acquire DeRozan, one of the league’s most respected veterans and a proven midrange scorer. The Kings, in turn, would receive Kuminga and future draft picks, a package that aligns with their long-term plans.
| Team | Receives | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | DeMar DeRozan | Veteran presence and scoring consistency |
| Sacramento Kings | Jonathan Kuminga, Draft Picks | Youth, energy, and future upside |
Why It Works for Both Teams
From Golden State’s perspective, the logic is simple. DeRozan provides a reliable scoring option when Curry and Klay Thompson are off the floor. He thrives in isolation, controls the pace, and brings playoff experience to a roster still built to compete for championships. His lack of long-range shooting is not ideal for the Warriors’ perimeter-heavy approach, but the team has adapted to similar situations before.
For Sacramento, this trade represents an investment in youth and development. Kuminga’s defensive versatility and explosive athleticism suit the Kings’ up-tempo system. With De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis anchoring the offense, Kuminga could grow into a key two-way piece for the franchise’s future. The added draft picks would also strengthen their position for the years ahead.
DeRozan’s Numbers Speak for Themselves
DeRozan continues to produce at an elite level even as he enters his mid-thirties. During the 2024–25 season with Sacramento, he averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 47.7 percent from the field. His three-point percentage sat at 32.8, but his ability to create from the midrange remains one of the best in the league.
Analysts have drawn comparisons to how Jimmy Butler, another midrange-focused star, has managed to thrive within a motion-based system. The Warriors could provide DeRozan a similar environment, one that values ball movement and smart shot selection over pure spacing.
The Kuminga Conundrum
Kuminga’s time in Golden State has been a constant tug-of-war between potential and opportunity. He has shown flashes of star-level talent, yet questions about his consistency and role persist. Bailey described the situation as a relationship that has never fully clicked. The Warriors have invested years in his development, but frustration over playing time and system fit has never truly disappeared.
A trade might finally give both sides clarity. Kuminga would receive a larger role and more freedom to grow, while Golden State would gain an experienced scorer who fits the immediate goal of another championship run.
The Larger Picture
This possible trade highlights two very different organizational philosophies. Golden State would be doubling down on experience, trusting its veteran core for one more push toward glory. Sacramento would be building toward the future, choosing development and sustainability over short-term results. Both strategies have merit, but they reflect two opposite timelines within the same conference.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not this deal materializes, the conversation reveals the crossroads facing both teams. The Warriors are fighting to extend their dynasty while Curry remains dominant. The Kings are shaping a new identity built on youth and versatility.
If the Warriors ultimately pull the trigger, DeRozan’s arrival could stabilize their offense and add another proven closer next to Curry. For Sacramento, the chance to mold Kuminga into a long-term cornerstone could pay off for years to come.
The trade deadline is still months away, but the seeds of one of the season’s most fascinating storylines may already be taking root.
