Warriors Can’t Trade Jonathan Kuminga For Malik Monk

The Golden State Warriors know that shifting Jonathan Kuminga to different groups will not be simple. Even Jimmy Butler has reportedly pressured the group to resolve the battle in regards to the younger ahead. Kuminga continues to be an unsigned free agent, and it’ll solely take a matter of time earlier than the difficulty evaporates.

One plot twist that emerged over the previous few days is a proposed sign-and-trade involving guard Malik Monk and the Sacramento Kings. Although fascinating on paper, nonetheless, this deal doesn’t make a lot sense for Golden State.

Kuminga’s Contract Stalemate

The Warriors have spent the offseason dwelling by one of the crucial sophisticated restricted free agent offers in current historical past. When Butler turned the starter for the Dubs, Kuminga was left on the bench. The 2021 draft’s No. 7 decide continues to be a robust contributor, but his market worth is just not that massive anymore for the Warriors. They could be weighing their long-term cope with him.

According to Blue Man Hoop, Golden State can’t give the participant greater than roughly $22.5 million in 12 months one and nonetheless have house for the taxpayer mid-level exception. The group has provided every thing from group choices on brief offers to three-year offers with built-in flexibility. Kuminga’s camp, nonetheless, prefers assurance of ensures with out group management.

If no settlement is reached by Oct. 1, Kuminga may signal his $7.9 million qualifying supply, rolling the cube on himself, and making himself an unrestricted free agent subsequent offseason.

The Sacramento Kings Offer

Based on studies, the Kings made the Kings a suggestion: Malik Monk and a lottery-protected 2030 first-round decide for Kuminga on a three-year, $63 million sign-and-trade contract. At first look, it looks like an affordable worth. Monk is a constant scorer, and the draft decide brings some the other way up the road. But the Warriors’ roster building is a special story.

Why the Trade Doesn’t Work for Golden State

First, Monk simply would not fill Golden State’s best wants. Standing at 6-foot-3, he is an undersized taking pictures guard who scores successfully however contributes little or no on protection. Having him play alongside Stephen Curry would carry forth obvious backcourt mismatches.

Even worse, the Warriors are already stocked at taking pictures guard. With Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry on the roster, Golden State has a surplus of perimeter scorers. Dealing away an athletic wing like Kuminga for an additional guard simply would not make sense.

Financially, the transition is simply as troublesome. An indication-and-trade would prime out the Warriors on the first apron, taking away flexibility and making them half with gamers like Moody or Hield, each strong roster items. Monk’s personal long-term contract would additionally eat cap house in seasons to come back.

Monk Won’t Fit Kerr’s Playbook

The Warriors badly require athleticism, measurement, and defense-minded versatility, qualities Kuminga gives at his finest. Monk, as gifted, doesn’t match Steve Kerr’s offense, which is motion-driven, or the group’s defensive philosophy. Unless the Kings are glad to ship a near-unprotected decide or different property, this transaction is lifeless upon arrival.

Golden State’s entrance workplace could be in a rush because the deadline attracts close to, however to make a bad-fit commerce would solely damage their group in the long run. For the time being, a compromise extension or Kuminga utilizing up the rest of the season on the qualifying supply seems most possible.

Kuminga may go elsewhere. The Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns may open their doorways for the younger star within the making.