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The Golden State Warriors have never been a franchise afraid to test the waters of change, especially when it comes to roster construction around their championship core. Yet, they’ve also maintained certain boundaries that reflected a blend of competitive instinct and long-term vision. Trading away Jonathan Kuminga, one of the franchise’s most promising young talents, has always seemed like a possibility—but never to a division rival. Now, though, new developments suggest even that line might blur if the right return is offered. According to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors might be willing to entertain a sign-and-trade deal involving Kuminga if the Sacramento Kings include two particular players: forward Keegan Murray and guard Keon Ellis.
The implications of such a report ripple through the Western Conference. The Warriors’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., has been working to reshape the team’s future while still honoring the Steph Curry-led present. Kuminga has long been viewed as a bridge between both eras—a player athletic enough to contribute now, but raw enough to offer potential long after the core of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green has retired. That’s why the idea of moving him—especially within the division—was previously met with resistance. However, the emergence of specific targets in Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis suggests the franchise is now open to making a calculated sacrifice if it means getting back pieces who fit the new blueprint.
Keegan Murray, the 6-foot-8 forward selected fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, is an attractive prospect for any franchise. Still just 23 years old, Murray brings a sharp-shooting dimension to the forward position, connecting on 41% of his threes as a rookie and averaging 15 points per game in his sophomore campaign. He fits the mold of what the Warriors traditionally look for—versatility, high basketball IQ, and positional flexibility. His ability to space the floor and switch defensively makes him a seamless plug-and-play option in Golden State’s motion offense, and his relatively low usage style would mesh well alongside Curry’s high-gravity presence.
In Keon Ellis, the Warriors would be acquiring a tenacious perimeter defender with an emerging reputation for energy and hustle. Though not a household name, Ellis has become a valuable rotation player for the Kings by guarding opposing teams’ best guards and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score. For a Warriors team that just lost several veteran defenders and continues to search for perimeter stoppers to complement their switching schemes, Ellis offers immediate defensive upside with the potential to grow in Steve Kerr’s system.
The idea of including both Murray and Ellis in a potential deal, though, is not without controversy. From Sacramento’s point of view, giving up two young contributors for a single player—even one as dynamic as Kuminga—would be a hefty price. Kuminga is electric in transition, a strong finisher at the rim, and has improved as an on-ball defender. But his game is still maturing. His shooting remains inconsistent, and he hasn’t fully broken out in terms of playmaking or decision-making. The Kings, who have built much of their recent success on chemistry and internal development, would be taking a gamble on his long-term ceiling while simultaneously helping to strengthen a division rival.
Yet, one cannot ignore the upside for both sides. The Kings have been searching for a wing with more physicality and isolation scoring chops, something Kuminga can offer in bursts. If they believe a change of scenery—and a larger role—could unlock his full potential, then rolling the dice makes more sense. Meanwhile, the Warriors would be adding pieces that more clearly align with their dual mandate: contend now and set up the foundation for a post-Curry era.
From a cap perspective, such a deal would also require careful maneuvering. Kuminga, entering the final year of his rookie contract, is eligible for an extension. A sign-and-trade would necessitate either him agreeing to a new deal beforehand or the Warriors working out the terms around his restricted free agency. Murray and Ellis, meanwhile, are on team-friendly deals that could allow the Warriors to preserve financial flexibility while upgrading key spots in their rotation.
It’s worth noting that while this report points to a theoretical framework, no deal appears imminent. Both sides are likely gauging the market, feeling out each other’s leverage, and determining whether the benefits truly outweigh the risks. For the Warriors, who have already lost several veteran role players and watched the Western Conference become even more competitive, the clock is ticking on maximizing what’s left of the Curry era. Kuminga could be the swing piece that either helps them rise again or brings in the talent to do so.
What makes the situation particularly complex is the psychological layer of trading within the division. Rivalries are real, especially in the Pacific Division, where matchups between the Warriors and Kings have taken on extra juice since Sacramento’s playoff return. Last season’s seven-game battle in the first round between these two teams reignited a dormant rivalry and stoked fan bases on both sides. For the Warriors to ship Kuminga across the state line would mean seeing him multiple times a season and potentially in high-stakes playoff games. They’d have to be incredibly confident that what they’re getting in return is worth it.
It’s also a subtle acknowledgment that perhaps Kuminga’s future doesn’t fully align with Golden State’s trajectory. Whether due to fit, timeline, or a shift in developmental priorities, the Warriors seem open to moving on if it means getting players who can contribute right away and grow within the system. That’s a notable shift from even six months ago when Kuminga was largely viewed as untouchable unless a superstar-level player was on the other end of the trade.
The Warriors’ brass has continually emphasized that they are not in a rebuild but a retool. With Draymond Green still under contract, Klay Thompson gone, and Curry presumably on the back half of his career, the sense of urgency is palpable. Adding players like Murray and Ellis could help balance the rotation, ease the defensive burden on Curry, and allow the team to transition more smoothly once its core inevitably moves on. Meanwhile, for the Kings, acquiring Kuminga could be their attempt at finding another star to complement De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis—one who’s young enough to grow into that role and dynamic enough to make a difference on both ends.
Ultimately, these types of trades rarely happen without months of groundwork and a significant level of trust between front offices. But the mere fact that the Warriors are now reportedly considering a sign-and-trade of
