The Golden State Warriors know exactly what they want in a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade: a solid young player, a first-round pick, and no bad contracts. And until they get all three, they’re in no rush to move him.

Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns, have been linked to Kuminga this offseason. One rumored offer from Sacramento reportedly included Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks. Another scenario floated DeMar DeRozan as a possible centerpiece.

Now we know why neither offer gained traction. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Warriors are reportedly not interested in Carter or the six-time All-Star DeRozan in a potential deal.

“My understanding is the Warriors weren’t interested in Carter or DeRozan,” Amick said on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast. “As of a couple of weeks ago, the Kings weren’t willing to pay Kuminga into the $20 million range (AAV).”

Warriors Don’t See DeRozan as the Right Fit

At first glance, turning down DeRozan might seem wild. He’s averaged 20+ points per game for 12 straight seasons and is still one of the league’s most polished midrange scorers. The Warriors could certainly use another offensive weapon.

But DeRozan is 35. He’s a high-usage, isolation scorer. He doesn’t space the floor. He’s never shot above 36% from three in a season. And he’s owed nearly $50 million over the next two years.

With Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler already in lineups that lack spacing, DeRozan only crowds things further.

More importantly, adding DeRozan signals a commitment to this version of the Warriors. Expensive. Aging. Declining in pace and spacing. For a front office hoping to build a bridge to the next era, trading Kuminga for a 35-year-old veteran just doesn’t track.

Why the Warriors Rejected Devin Carter Too

Unlike DeRozan, Devin Carter is just getting started. A lottery pick in 2024, he was heralded as a defensive standout with shades of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White heading into the draft.

But Carter’s rookie year was derailed by injury, and his Summer League performances were hit-or-miss. The Kings were reportedly willing to part with him, Šarić, and picks in a Kuminga deal, but the Warriors didn’t bite. Even as a connector with upside, Carter isn’t the proven young piece Golden State is looking for. If they’re going to part with Kuminga, it needs to be for more than a flier.

That said, Carter could still represent the best offer the Warriors get. At some point, they may have to decide between ideal value and real-world options.

Warriors Playing the Long Game With Kuminga

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Jonathon Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State has reportedly offered Kuminga a deal worth $20 million AAV, but he’s seeking something closer to $30 million. So far, no team — including Sacramento — has gone above that number. In a market that’s cooled off fast, teams have little reason to overpay.

Sacramento’s reluctance makes even more sense when you factor in salary matching rules, Kuminga’s base year status, and looming extensions for Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis.

Whether Kuminga ends up staying or becomes the centerpiece of a larger deal involving RFAs like Josh Giddey or Cam Thomas, it’s clear the Warriors are holding their line.

A Test of Patience

There’s a real chance Kuminga enters the season on the Warriors’ roster — and finishes it there too. With every day that passes, his leverage shifts. The Warriors want to stay younger, get more flexible, and not panic into a bad deal. That means no DeRozan. No Carter. No half-measures.

Whether that patience pays off depends on how many teams blink before Golden State does.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More abouJul 30, 2025 at 4:37amt Keith Watkins