The Kings are “very engaged” on Warriors restricted free agent ahead Jonathan Kuminga, in line with Matt George of ABC 10 in Sacramento (Twitter hyperlinks).
Whereas the Kings have seemingly been extraordinarily prepared to debate Malik Monk in commerce situations, Monk seemingly wouldn’t be concerned in any deal for Kuminga, says George, noting that Golden State doesn’t seem to have a lot curiosity within the veteran guard.
George has heard that the Kings have explored sending out guard Devin Carter, ahead Dario Saric, and draft compensation as a part of a deal to accumulate Kuminga through sign-and-trade (Twitter hyperlink). If a deal alongside these strains got here to fruition, it might seemingly be mixed with Sacramento’s Saric/Jonas Valanciunas swap with Denver to be able to maximize the Kings’ outgoing wage, which might enable them to provide Kuminga a extra profitable deal.
Nonetheless, in line with Anthony Slater of The Athletic (Twitter hyperlink), there’s no settlement imminent at this level. Conversations on the Kuminga entrance with the Warriors and “a number of” groups are ongoing, Slater provides.
Listed below are just a few extra gadgets of curiosity on among the prime free brokers nonetheless on the board:
- After beginning all 82 video games for San Antonio this previous season, veteran level guard Chris Paul is hoping to be a starter once more in 2025/26, per Tim Reynolds of The Related Press (Twitter hyperlink), which is one purpose why he’s nonetheless weighing his choices in free company. Reynolds says the Clippers are hoping Paul will be part of them, whereas Ramona Shelburne of ESPN (Twitter video hyperlink) views the Suns as his more than likely touchdown spot. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports activities 98.7 (Twitter hyperlink) believes Paul want to return to Phoenix, however thinks there could be a really restricted function for him with the Suns, so he thought of a reunion unlikely.
- The Warriors have been “very aggressive” in attempting to recruit Al Horford to Golden State, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (Twitter video hyperlink). Windhorst believes Horford may find yourself within the West Coast if he continues his profession, noting that the Lakers are among the many different groups pursuing him. Windhorst’s report got here earlier than the Lakers reached an settlement with Deandre Ayton, however Los Angeles may nonetheless use frontcourt depth and nonetheless has its $5.1MM bi-annual exception obtainable.
- Russell Westbrook, an L.A. native, want to “be nearer to dwelling,” in line with Marc J. Spears of Andscape (Twitter video hyperlink). A number of reviews this week have linked Westbrook to the Kings, however it appears like that will solely turn into a viable choice if Sacramento finally ends up buying and selling Monk.
- In rating what he believes are the highest 5 greatest touchdown spots for Damian Lillard as soon as he turns into a free agent, Spears locations the Timberwolves atop his listing (Twitter video hyperlink). Mike Conley continues to be penciled in as Minnesota’s place to begin guard, however he’ll be 38 in October and struggled within the postseason, and the Wolves don’t have a lot dependable depth on the place behind him. Lillard could possibly be an ideal match, although he’ll miss most or the entire 2025/26 season whereas recovering from his Achilles tear.
- Along with beforehand reported suitors like Milwaukee and Indiana, the Knicks, Clippers, Cavaliers, and Nuggets additionally expressed some stage of curiosity in Ayton earlier than he agreed to hitch the Lakers, Shams Charania of ESPN stated on SportsCenter (Twitter video hyperlink). Charania added that a number of suitors reached out to Path Blazers basic supervisor Joe Cronin to ask about Ayton and received “rave evaluations of him as a teammate.”
