Training camp is just a few days away, and the Golden State Warriors are still a mess. The situation’s pretty simple: Jonathan Kuminga is holding the team hostage. Once a promising wing to pair with Curry, the six-foot-seven forward is now at odds with team management, not willing to back down even an inch. He wants a player-option in his contract extension, but the team isn’t willing to give him one, so Kuminga has started shopping around the league. So, what’s the verdict? Is Kuminga getting traded?

Well, we don’t know yet. The deadline for contract extensions is 1st October, and we’re still a couple of days away. Sacramento has put forth an offer for him, Malik Monk, and a first-round pick, but the Warriors aren’t willing to let go of him for so little. Kuminga has been pretty amenable to this situation, as compared to the Warriors’ multi-year offers. In the meantime, Dub Nation has also been limited in its options–even though Kuminga’s situation is far from being resolved, the Warriors are still expecting a decision from the wing as soon as possible

But there’s been a latest development in this entire saga. Veteran center Al Horford agreed to a multi-year deal with the Bay Area, which is contingent on how Kuminga’s situation pans out, Brett Siegel reported. “Horford’s contract won’t officially be signed until a decision is made on Kuminga with a potential multi-year deal or his qualifying offer.” The reporter tweeted.

Not only Horford, but the franchise’s plans of signing De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and even Seth Curry are on hold until this decision passes or falls through. The Warriors will be looking for a hasty resolution to this entire saga so that they can move on with their plans for the season. If his demands aren’t met, Kuminga will sign the 1-year/$7.9M qualifying offer to be an unrestricted free agent next year.

But why aren’t the Warriors willing to accept the offer from Sacramento? It would be easier to offload Kuminga’s contract rather than letting him fall off the books. But Golden State seems adamant on rejecting the Kings’ offers. Why? Is it because of their conflict with Kuminga, a lack of value that they’re getting in return, or is it something else entirely? Let’s take a look at why this trade won’t go through.

The one reason Jonathan Kuminga won’t be playing for the Sacramento Kings this season

Jonathan Kuminga needs a player option, and the Golden State Warriors need a new wing. Is that a fair statement to make? The seventh-overall pick in the 2021 draft, Kuminga has always been touted as a two-way contributor with a high upside. After winning a chip in just his sophomore season, the young wing was given a bigger role to play–something he handled with perfection.

But, from what it looks like, Kuminga’s time at Golden State is now coming to an end. By hook or by crook, the six-foot-seven forward is looking to leave the Bay Area. Sacramento is a genuine option for the wing. They’re offering up some first-round draft capital alongside Malik Monk’s contract to sway Jonathan Kuminga to their side. But what they don’t know is that the Warriors won’t ever fall for it.

“Golden State has made it clear that it has no interest in absorbing Malik Monk’s contract from Sacramento, irrespective of Monk’s talents, if it means taking on Monk’s $21.5 million player option for the 2027-28 season.” Jake Fischer of the Stein Line reported. “As much as Golden State hopes to compete for championships over the next two seasons with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and [Jimmy] Butler all on the same contractual timeline, it is also laser-focused on having financial flexibility after the 2026-27 season when the trio’s current contracts are on course to expire simultaneously.”

Basically, Monk’s contract is not something that the Warriors are willing to take a gamble on. As mentioned before, they don’t do player options to maintain financial flexibility and control. So, while GSW will be looking to make some trades and bolster its lineup for the upcoming season, it won’t succumb to Kuminga’s attempts at strongarming his way into more power and guaranteed money, or a destination of his preference.