Golden State Warriors Reportedly Show No Interest in DeMar DeRozan or Devin Carter in Kuminga Sign-and-Trade with Kings
The Golden State Warriors continue to tread cautiously during this pivotal offseason, and recent reports suggest that the team has opted not to pursue DeMar DeRozan or rookie Devin Carter in a potential sign-and-trade scenario involving Jonathan Kuminga and the Sacramento Kings. According to veteran NBA reporter Sam Amick, the Warriors have shown no significant interest in acquiring either DeRozan or Carter as part of any such deal. The discussions, while preliminary and not fully developed into advanced trade negotiations, reflect a complex mix of financial hesitations, long-term roster planning, and evolving strategic priorities for both the Warriors and Kings.
Jonathan Kuminga, the 21-year-old forward and former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has been a central figure in the Warriors’ plans over the past few seasons. Known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and emerging scoring ability, Kuminga has gradually carved out a more significant role on the Warriors’ roster. However, as Golden State attempts to strike a delicate balance between competing in the present with veterans like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green while preparing for a future without them, Kuminga’s future with the team has become a subject of considerable speculation. His potential value in a trade scenario is undeniable—young, talented, and still on the rise—yet it’s unclear whether the Warriors see him as a long-term cornerstone or a piece to leverage for roster improvements.
The Warriors’ lack of interest in DeRozan is telling. DeRozan, a six-time All-Star and one of the most respected veterans in the league, had been linked with the Kings earlier this offseason before being acquired by Sacramento via a three-team sign-and-trade. The idea that Golden State would pass on an opportunity to land a player of DeRozan’s caliber might seem surprising on the surface, especially considering their win-now mindset. However, the Warriors’ decision-making appears rooted in a calculated assessment of roster fit, contract considerations, and a desire to avoid sacrificing future flexibility for a veteran whose style may not seamlessly align with their pace-and-space offensive identity.
DeRozan is a mid-range maestro and a methodical playmaker, attributes that have kept him effective well into his 30s. But the Warriors’ offense, built on movement, three-point shooting, and constant cutting, may not have provided the best environment for DeRozan to maximize his strengths. Golden State likely saw a potential redundancy with players like Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson (prior to Thompson’s departure to Dallas) already occupying similar roles on the wing. Furthermore, integrating DeRozan’s iso-heavy tendencies into a pass-happy system could have created more friction than flow. The Warriors seem focused on preserving the cohesion of their system rather than forcing a stylistic fit.
The report also mentioned that the Warriors were not interested in rookie guard Devin Carter, whom the Kings selected with the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Carter, a strong and physical defender with a high motor and NBA pedigree (son of former player Anthony Carter), was considered one of the most NBA-ready guards in the draft. While his defensive acumen and leadership traits are commendable, Golden State may not view a rookie guard as a priority asset, particularly in a trade involving a high-upside talent like Kuminga. The Warriors have a history of placing high value on experience and championship-readiness, especially during the Stephen Curry era. Unless a young player can contribute immediately at a high level, it’s unlikely they would headline a package in a major trade.
On the Kings’ side, the interest in Kuminga makes sense. Sacramento has been quietly assembling a competitive core around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and the addition of a dynamic two-way forward like Kuminga would bolster their athleticism and defensive potential. However, as Amick noted, the Kings reportedly have been hesitant to commit to a contract in the $20 million annual average value (AAV) range for Kuminga. This financial hesitation could be reflective of broader salary cap concerns or differing evaluations of Kuminga’s ceiling. For Sacramento, allocating that level of salary to a still-developing player carries risks, especially when balancing the needs of a team trying to maintain playoff contention in the stacked Western Conference.
The financial dimension of these negotiations cannot be overstated. The Warriors are currently navigating one of the league’s most expensive payrolls, and new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) restrictions have placed increased penalties on high-spending teams. Every financial decision must now be weighed against potential implications on flexibility, team-building options, and even future draft limitations. Handing Kuminga a sizable extension, or acquiring a player on a large contract, would further constrain Golden State’s ability to reshape its roster in the coming years. While Kuminga is eligible for an extension this offseason, the Warriors have shown little urgency in getting a deal done, perhaps signaling that they are exploring all options—including potential trades—before making a commitment.
Complicating matters further is the overarching direction of the franchise. With Curry still playing at an elite level and reportedly committed to chasing more titles, the pressure remains high for the Warriors’ front office to retool quickly. Yet, at the same time, team governor Joe Lacob has expressed interest in maintaining sustainable competitiveness rather than an all-in, short-term strategy. This philosophical tension has defined much of the team’s recent activity—holding onto young prospects like Moses Moody, drafting new talent, and hesitating to package players for veteran upgrades. The reported disinterest in DeRozan and Carter is a continuation of that mindset: the Warriors are not willing to chase names or reputation at the expense of long-term viability and on-court synergy.
There’s also the internal growth factor. Jonathan Kuminga showed significant improvement last season, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage. His midseason stretch, where he showcased his ability to drive, defend, and even facilitate in spurts, hinted at untapped potential. Golden State may well be betting that Kuminga’s breakout is around the corner, making the decision to move on from him—especially for an aging DeRozan or an unproven rookie like Carter—less appealing. If Kuminga can continue to develop into a two-way force, the Warriors could have a future All-Star already in house, one who bridges the timeline between Curry’s present and the franchise’s next chapter.
All that said, trade discussions around Kuminga are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. He remains one of the most intriguing young players in the league, and his combination of age, athleticism, and experience in a championship culture makes him highly desirable. Teams across the league will continue to inquire, especially as the Warriors look to optimize the twilight years of the Curry era. But if Golden State remains consistent with the approach reported by Amick, it’s clear they are setting a high bar for any potential deal. The Warriors are not in the market for short-term fixes or ill-fitting additions. They are looking for value, fit, and long-term upside—criteria that DeRozan and Carter, despite their respective talents, did not sufficiently meet.
The Warriors’ offseason strategy thus far reveals a franchise still confident in its foundational pieces but unwilling to mortgage flexibility or development capital on moves that don’t align with a clear vision. Their reported rejection of the Kings’ potential offers serves as a reminder that trades, especially involving young talent like Kuminga, require more than name value—they must make sense financially, strategically, and culturally. As the season approaches and teams finalize their rosters, eyes will remain on Golden State to see whether Kuminga stays put, extends his deal, or eventually becomes part of a larger trade that truly shifts the needle.
Until then, the Warriors are signaling that they’re playing the long game.
