Golden State Warriors Show No Interest in DeMar DeRozan or Devin Carter in Potential Jonathan Kuminga Trade Talks With Kings
The Golden State Warriors have reportedly expressed no interest in acquiring DeMar DeRozan or rookie Devin Carter in a potential trade scenario involving forward Jonathan Kuminga, despite exploratory talks circulating around the league that suggested a possible deal with the Sacramento Kings. The discussions, while not advanced or formalized, have led to significant speculation about the Warriors’ future roster moves and their approach to roster building around aging stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
According to league sources familiar with the situation, the Warriors’ front office has firmly maintained its stance of preserving Kuminga’s role in the team’s long-term plans. Even as Golden State explores ways to remain competitive in the Western Conference and potentially make one final title push during the twilight of Curry’s career, the franchise appears unwilling to trade away young talent unless it significantly moves the needle. DeMar DeRozan, a veteran scorer recently acquired by the Kings in a sign-and-trade deal from Chicago, does not meet that threshold in the eyes of Warriors management, sources said.
Additionally, the inclusion of Devin Carter, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Providence, was not viewed as compelling enough to persuade Golden State to part with Kuminga. Carter is widely respected for his defensive tenacity and athletic upside, but the Warriors’ lack of interest reflects a belief that he is not yet the kind of player who could help elevate the team in the immediate term or offer more than what Kuminga already provides.
Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of star potential through his first three seasons in the league. After an inconsistent start to his NBA career, the 21-year-old forward made a noticeable leap in the 2023–24 season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 52.9% from the field. He emerged as one of the few bright spots in a Warriors campaign that ended in disappointment, as the team missed the playoffs and faced questions about its aging core.
Kuminga’s development has given the Warriors’ front office, led by General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., renewed optimism that they can straddle the line between contending now and building for the future. Several teams around the league have inquired about Kuminga’s availability, particularly as the Warriors gauge the trade market to improve their roster. However, sources indicate that Golden State has set a high asking price, and that price does not include older veterans or unproven rookies. The team is instead holding out for a star-caliber player in return, or a younger talent with established upside.
DeRozan, 34, remains an effective offensive player who averaged 24 points per game last season for the Chicago Bulls. But his fit in Golden State’s system has long been questioned, both due to his limited three-point shooting and his tendency to operate in the mid-range—an area of the court that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr tends to de-emphasize in favor of spacing and ball movement. DeRozan’s age and style of play are not viewed as a match with the Warriors’ current philosophy, even if the team remains committed to maximizing its championship window with Curry.
Moreover, the Warriors are reportedly wary of taking on any long-term salary that could hinder their flexibility under the NBA’s newly implemented second apron rules, which penalize teams that exceed certain spending thresholds. DeRozan signed a three-year, $76 million deal with the Kings, a number that could complicate Golden State’s cap sheet if he were to be acquired. With the franchise already navigating complex salary scenarios involving Curry, Klay Thompson (now departed), Draymond Green, and the recent extension given to Andrew Wiggins, adding another veteran contract was not appealing.
The Kings, for their part, are believed to be exploring roster adjustments after a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 playoffs. With DeRozan now in the fold alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento is looking to add versatile wings and defensive-minded forwards who can complement their core. Jonathan Kuminga, with his athleticism, defensive upside, and improving offensive skill set, fits the archetype of player Sacramento would value highly. But according to multiple sources, Golden State is not interested in simply offloading Kuminga without getting a substantial return.
One source close to the Warriors’ decision-making process described the idea of trading Kuminga for DeRozan or Carter as “a step backward,” noting that Kuminga’s trajectory as a two-way wing with elite athletic tools offers a higher ceiling than either of the players being proposed. That sentiment echoes the internal view that the team cannot afford to mortgage the future unless a transformative piece is coming back.
The Warriors have already made some significant offseason decisions, including parting ways with longtime shooting guard Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. While Thompson’s departure closes an iconic chapter in Warriors history, it has also freed up opportunities for younger players like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski to take on larger roles. The front office sees Kuminga as central to this youth movement, even as they continue to prioritize competing at the highest level during Curry’s remaining prime years.
Golden State has also been linked in trade rumors to other veteran players around the league, including Utah’s Lauri Markkanen and Chicago’s Alex Caruso, but the team’s level of interest in each player appears tied closely to both fit and contract flexibility. There is a growing sense that unless a unique opportunity presents itself—such as a disgruntled star becoming available or a major salary dump—the Warriors will prefer to stand pat and rely on internal growth heading into the 2024–25 season.
Some analysts have questioned whether Golden State is overvaluing Kuminga, pointing to his still-developing perimeter game and occasional lapses in defensive awareness. But others argue that players with Kuminga’s blend of size, explosiveness, and improving skill level are difficult to find, especially on a team already constrained by cap limitations. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish in transition has already proven valuable, and there is optimism internally that his outside shooting and decision-making will continue to improve.
As for Devin Carter, scouts around the league admire his energy, rebounding from the guard position, and his disruptive presence on the perimeter. However, it remains unclear whether the Warriors view him as anything more than a high-upside project, particularly given their depth at the guard spot. With Curry, Chris Paul (if retained), Podziemski, and Gary Payton II all in the rotation, there is little incentive for Golden State to take on another undersized guard unless he represents a clear upgrade.
In the broader context, the Warriors’ resistance to parting with Kuminga for a package centered around DeRozan or Carter underscores their current strategic balance: contending now while developing youth for the future. That’s a difficult path to walk, especially in a highly competitive Western Conference where teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder continue to improve. Still, the Warriors are betting on continuity, internal growth, and selective upgrades rather than a radical overhaul.
While trade talks often evolve rapidly in the NBA and positions can shift depending on new opportunities or unforeseen developments, multiple sources indicated that as of now, the Warriors’ stance is firm. Jonathan Kuminga is not available for DeRozan, Carter, or a combination of both. The message from Golden State is clear: if you want Kuminga, come with something bigger.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will remain on the Warriors, not just because of their legacy, but because of the delicate balancing act they must perform. With the curtain gradually closing on the dynasty built around Curry, Green, and Thompson, every decision carries heightened importance. For now, at least, Jonathan Kuminga is viewed not as a trade chip, but as a foundational piece for whatever comes next.
