Kings’ Jonathan Kuminga Interest to Create Discontent for Key Starter as $30M Decision Looms

The Sacramento Kings’ GM, Scott Perry, has a major decision to make. He could flip a coin to decide if it was a choice between chocolate or vanilla-flavored ice cream. But this is about the team he’s willing to build from scratch. They don’t have De’Aaron Fox to rely on, and DeMar DeRozan’s future has been questionable lately. However, their hope windows are shutting down too, because for the Golden State Warriors, even if they want to trade Jonathan Kuminga, Malik Monk doesn’t seem like a suitable exchange offer.

But with eyes fixed on two camps: one on JK and the other on Russell Westbrook, the Kings’ front office is sidelining Keegan Murray’s fate. Some people believe that the Kings could be waiting to see how this season at the very least starts, or plays out with Murray, before offering him the $30 million extension.

Now on Sactown Sports 1140, the host tried to picture the scene as Murray’s agent. “This could be a nickel-and-dime situation. We don’t know that. But if I’m Keegan’s agent, Jabari Smith Jr., 5-year, 122,” he started noting. “Yeah, I might go in saying I need 130. This dude’s coming off the bench. He played 57 games. They just signed Kevin Durant. He’s not going to have to do half of the stuff that Keegan Murray has to do. And y’all are out here. I’m the agent.”

He added, “I’m walking around saying, ‘Hold on, hold on.’ Y’all out here talking about Russell Westbrook. You’re talking about Westbrook, and you’re messing around with Kuminga when I’m the most sought-after young talent that you have on this roster. And y’all are messing around trying to nickel and dime for Russell Westbrook, who nobody is calling about. Stop playing with me, dude. Stop playing. I need 130. I don’t care that the stats are the same.”

Well, comparing the Houston Rockets star, Jabari Smith Jr.’s $122 million, 5-year contract with Keegan Murray’s no-contract situation, the host tried to explain the scenario. The most interesting point here is that both youngsters have similar stats from last season. Smith has 12.2 ppg, 7.0 rebs, and 1.1 ast, whereas Murray has 12.4 ppg, 5.6 rebs, and 1.4 ast.

Meanwhile, the Kings chase Jonathan Kuminga, keeping Russell Westbrook from even dreaming of joining Sacramento. Golden State keeps stalling on its future, leaving everything frozen. Now Westbrook, 36, waits in limbo, his market shrinking, whispers of retirement growing louder.

And while the Kings fruitlessly pursue JK in a fever-dream chase, even the NBA world seems to be moving on from the trade drama. The 22-year-old NBA champ has shrugged away the $45 million deal with a team option next year. He also rejected a $150 million extension last season. Moreover, the Dubs rejected Sacramento’s offer that included Malik Monk and a 2030 lottery-protected first-rounder.

Coming back to Murray, numbers may never lie, yet they rarely spill the full truth. If Jabari Smith Jr. can secure $122 million for 57 games and only 39 starts with fewer minutes, why should Keegan Murray settle for less? He is the sharper shooter, even while forced to guard Stephen Curry. So the demand is clear and unapologetic. Keegan deserves $130 million.

Amidst the Jonathan Kuminga chase, what is Keegan Murray’s contract scene?

Keegan Murray entered the NBA as the No. 4 pick in 2022, but his rise has been shakier than Sacramento dreamed. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star averaged only 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 34.3 minutes this past season, shooting 44.4% from the field, 34.3% from deep, and 83.3% from the line. His biggest flaw remains aggression, with only 0.9 free throw attempts per game.

Yet optimism refuses to fade. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale predicts the Kings will double down with a rookie extension worth around $30 million annually this summer. Murray’s eligibility allows for up to $190.5 million over four years or $246.7 million over five, though the max feels far-fetched. Still, with Sacramento craving stability, his defensive growth and versatility across multiple positions may just secure him that lucrative payday.

Well, Jonathan Kuminga may have the Sacramento Kings running in circles, but the spotlight drifts back to Keegan Murray. The Kings keep juggling trade talks and fading stars, yet Murray’s future screams for clarity. His game carries promise, his presence demands belief, and his patience wears thin. Sooner or later, the front office must decide. Murray wants more, and he knows he deserves it.