Malik Monk knows that the Kings were willing to deal him in order to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors. Monk’s contract, which runs through the 2027/28 season and includes a player option, wasn’t one Golden State was willing to take on.
Now that Kuminga has signed a two-year contract with Golden State, that saga has ended and Monk says he looks at Sacramento as his home and “loves” it there, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
“For some people, yeah, but for me, what I’ve been through, no,” Monk said of whether he let the trade talk bother him. “And my support system is amazing. My brother, my agent, my mom, they always keep me upbeat, but I came to talk to (new general manager Scott Perry), too, right before everything, and he told me the same thing my agent told me. I like that from Scott. I appreciate him for coming forward and telling me to come talk to him. That’s being professional. A lot of GMs don’t do that, so I thank Scott for that.”
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Following contentious negotiations, Kuminga chose to sign a contract that would still allow him to be trade-eligible in mid-January. It also includes a team option. That means the speculation about his future won’t die down, Nick Friedell of The Athletic notes. Coach Steve Kerr says he doesn’t blame Kuminga for trying to get the best contract possible as a restricted free agent. “It’s just, this is the business we’re in, you know?” Kerr said. “I never begrudge any player for trying to get the best contract that he can. In fact, having been a player, I always feel like it’s part of my job to help our guys do the best they can come contract-wise and help them become the best players that they can be. Put themselves in the best position to have a great career, to sign a good contract, take care of their families. These are short careers, and so I want all our players to do well, how it gets there sometimes can be messy. I’m not worried about any of that.”
- Kawhi Leonard addressed to a certain extent the allegation that the Clippers tried to circumvent the salary cap by arranging an alleged no-show endorsement deal with the now-defunct company Aspiration. He claims he’s not worried about the league’s on-going investigation, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. “The NBA is going to do their job,” Leonard said. “None of us did no wrongdoing. And yeah, I mean, that’s it. We invite the investigations. It’s not going to be a distraction for me or the rest of the team.” The Clippers have become experts in blocking out all the outside noise, Murray opines in a separate story.
- The Lakers signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year contract during free agency. It was a low-profile move but the Lakers hope the 23-year-old forward can be a big part of their future, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times writes. “To get a young player — a young player in free agency for a team that is trying to win a championship — it’s an incredible opportunity for myself and our player development department to have him continue to grow,” head coach JJ Redick said. “Jake, I’m very high on him. His level of commitment to what we’ve asked of the guys this offseason has been very high.”
Let’s go Kerr! You were part of the brain to draft Kuminga and coached him for 4 years. Please put him in a position to flourish this season. Please be patient and not get “personal” with a young player. Let him make mistakes. You might lose some games here and there early, but he can and will reward back hundredfolds later. You will need Kuminga to be a serious contender this season. It will be a helluva “feel good” story for the team. Get it done Coach!!
Putting this right here to save us all time from arguing in the future:
STEVE KERR ON WHAT HE TOLD JONATHAN KUMINGA AFTER 2024-25 PLAYOFFS
link to hoopshype.com
“IF JK COMES BACK, WE WILL FOR SURE SPEND THE EARLY PART OF THE SEASON PLAYING HIM WITH JIMMY, DRAYMOND, AND STEPH. TO ME, THAT WOULD BE A NO-BRAINER. WE DIDN’T HAVE THAT LUXURY THIS YEAR.. WE’VE BASICALLY BEEN IN THE PLAYOFFS SINCE THE MINUTE WE GOT JIMMY AND THAT WAS ALSO WHEN JK GOT HURT.”
Kuminga was a starter to start last season. It lasted 2 games. In those 2 games, he was substitited after 5 minutes. Then, he didnt get back on the court for the longest time.
Game 3 and following games, he was literally the last player off the bench to get into the games. What happened in the locker room? Why did they even start him for 2 games? How is the player suppose to play with confidence and trust his coach?
MIchol, I’m glad you mentioned this because so many folks refuse to acknowledge it.
Before the season, Kerr mentioned several times that he was going to stick with the Steph, Wiggins, Draymond, TJD and JK lineup for as long as possible because he believed it was their strongest offensive AND defensive lineup, but that he thought it might take a while to gel. Kerr also said the team’s success hinged on JK’s further development, and that he wanted to support him. JK and the FO were working on a rookie extension at the time, which fell through.
That is why it was, as you mention, it was so surprising that Kerr benched Kuminga after 2 games. If you’ll recall, he didn’t tell Kuminga in person that this was happening, but, rather, sent him a text before the game and left him twisting in the wind to explain it to the media after.
Then he sat him for playoffs. And only reason he played. Was cause Curry got hurt. That is not how you treat a top prospect. Fortunately he showed his talent against TWolves. Kerr has said Kuminga is not a fit on this team. Said it before Jimmy got here. Said it after they went on their run with Jimmy. He didn’t even play him lol. I’m just stating facts.
Warriors want to contend they will need Kuminga to step up. And for Kerr to find a way to help him succeed. Or to pump him up and look good. For an in season trade. Imo a trade can be best outcome for the Warriors.
Kerr has already found a way for Kuminga to succeed. JK just needs to do it. It is not that difficult. Other young players have.
Yeah ………. Except you been saying the complete opposite for two years lmao ….. and he’s had 4 yrs to do it. I hope he gets it right. I just see a trade coming.
OK Trixie. This is a shock to you? Why? Kerr said this even before the playoffs started. Why does this surprise you? The Warriors had amazing chemistry from the moment Butler arrived. Why upset what was working? It is a new season. There is no pressure from a playoff push. They can work on all the things they need to early. Everything will be worked out when it comes to push for the playoffs. If JK had signed earlier, he could have joined Draymond and Butler to work things out. He would have been further along coming into training camp. Such is life.
@giants74, FALSE
The quote is from AFTER the season ended. Not before.
The season ended on May 14. The interview with Kerr was on May 16. Kerr was talking about the FUTURE season. The one that starts right now.
Put it in your memory bank. Kerr promised JK to integrate him this season. On the record.
I’m not sure what you are upset about. Kerr said, before JK came back from his injury, that JK would have to adapt his game to how the team was playing. It is easier to do this at training camp or earlier in the season. They have to play together to develop chemistry. It is difficult to do that in a playoff push. Why doesn’t that make sense to you?
I’m not upset about anything. Just trying to help you keep your facts straight.
Ok. What facts have I been missing? Can you elaborate.
Thats his response to no response lol.
Warriors fans have been trashing Kuminga for two years. Now are jumping on his wagon.
Not going to be easy to make this work imo. A trade could be best outcome.
When have I ever trashed Kuminga? Maybe you are just a little overly sensitive.
Sensitive over what ?????
You can’t even LIE right the ONLY reason I respond to Kuminga posts for last two years. Is cause 80% of fans trashed him and blamed him for not developing. The Biggest Crybabies on HR ….
@EasyMoney
That’s what’s known as damage control, trying to walk back what he said in an interview with Kawakami after Tim Legler criticized him for limiting his minutes in the Wolves series:
“I’ve been asked to win, and right now, he’s not a guy who I can say I’m gonna play 38 minutes with the roster that we have — Steph [Curry], and Jimmy [Butler], and Draymond [Green] — and put the puzzle together that way and expect to win.”
This latest quote where Kerr claims that he thinks it’s “part of his job to put players in the best position to have a great career, to sign a good contract, take care of their families” is hypocrisy defined, after how that quote above was clearly going to affect Kuminga’s $ situation.
My guess is that Kerr was told by Lacob that he’d better say he’ll play Kuminga (to keep him from signing the QO).
It’s only been FOUR years to help him find a place. He doesn’t play him. Means he doesn’t need him or trust him. But of course now everything will work. You talk out of all sides of your body. Either crying or got excuses. Why don’t you just tell us how it will work. All I’m doing is questioning it.
@ Davey…four near forty years old and a guy who wants and needs shots in Kuminga. Jimmy, Al and Draymond are hardly quick…that lineup gets run out the gym. Kuminga gets shots in the second unit. He can play a little with starters, NOT Jimmy. Jimmy guarding shifty quick guys taking away from his offensive game isn’t real bright. Bigs shooting three’s from the corner lols….good luck getting back. You know ball though, SMH.
Al, when it comes to Kuminga, your record speaks for itself.
Literally the best rotation is Steph, Jim, Dray, Jon, Al. Who cares about “positions” – Jim or Dray run point, Curry off ball, Al camps in the corner for a wide open 3 OR Kuminga takes the ball and does 1 step to the rim for an easy layup OR it’s Curry-time, or even Jim taking it as the 4th option.
If you know ball, you know that rotation specifically, is literally the best, most explosive, most exciting one in the league. I cannot wait to see if Kerr runs it.
A team with the aspirations that the Warriors have don’t have the luxury to allow a young player to msje a lot of mistakes.
Kuminga is highly athletic, has the body and height and defense. So, it makes me wonder why Kerr seems to have so little trust in him. I think it’s likely what Kuminga has going on between his ears. He may not be the brightest bulb, and that is hurting his potential. Otherwise, you’d think Kuminga is the Warriors future, but the team and Kerr don’t see him that way, and instead see him as a trade chip for a team that doesn’t know him as well as they do.
It is simple. I don’t know why people don’t understand this. The Warrior’s offense involves a lot of ball movement. JK likes to play isoball. He needs to learn to learn to look for the open man and pass more. Draymond and Butler do that all the time. The ball will comeback to JK and he can score.
JK -was told to- play ISO ball. You misinterpret this every time. Kerr was the one telling him all these things.
There is a coach. There is a system. There is a player. Some players may never adapt to your system. As a coach you should know that after 4 yrs lol. Always got excuses …. Basketball is simple
What kind of system will Kuminga be successful in…Obi Wan.
Why would that matter to you. Just get rid of him and get value. Now you are going to praise him. You are so fake Barbie is jealous.
Tell me again why you don’t need a big …..
Then you sign one. Wagoneer all you are is excuses and tears for years ……..
TWO YEARS YOU WANTED KUMINGA GONE. NOW YOU CELEBRATE HIM SIGNING ……
True Wagoneer ………. embrace the hypocrisy
@ Giants…Jimmy would prefer iso and a slow half court game. Kuminga wants to play quick. Player and ball movement is better for his game. But since you bought up player and ball movement in a 82 game season when the best four players are pushing forty……argh, forget it.
@johnnybgood, with respect, I’d like to correct some of your assumptions. Generally, it’s false to say that Kuminga doesn’t “fit” or that he doesn’t make the other players around him better.
We have a 2 year data sample of Curry+Green lineups being significantly better with Kuminga on the court:
Curry+Green lineups (Kuminga ON):
901 minutes
+11.1 Net Rating
Curry+Green lineups (Kuminga OFF):
1806 minutes
+3.5 Net Rating
We also have lots of data on the performance of lineup combinations. Among the most interesting is that the lineup of Curry, Podz, Wiggins, Green and Kuminga was the second best in the NBA (by point differential) in 2023-24. (Second to the a Celtics lineup with Tatum, Brown, White, Horford, and Holliday.)
There are 2 complicating issues to the Kuminga analysis:
1) At the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Kerr decided not to use his successful 2023-24 lineups, but, instead move from a 10 to a 12-14 man rotation.
2) Kuminga’s role was taken by Jimmy Butler, who is better.
I get your points, and they are good. Here is the problem though. Jimmy is 36 with two years left on his contract. If the Warriors valued Kuminga on the same position as Butler, then they would have extended Kuminga for 4 years, to rotate to him post Jimmy, or even 5 years. But they didn’t.
So, for whatever reason, Kerr (and ownership) don’t believe Kuminga WIlLL ever be able to play their kind of basketball, and that they would want him long term.
They are making Kuminga as palatable as possible for a mid-season trade, even if it is to trade to a team who doesn’t really want him and will not pick up his option for 26-27.
It’s been reported that they did offer a 4 yr extension that Kuminga rejected, although the actual $ amount was less than the $30 mil/yr Kuminga wanted.
I think the team believes Kuminga wants to leave, so they overpaid him with the 1+1 he signed. If everything goes great, they’ll keep him. If they can find a player they like better from a team that wants Kuminga, he’ll get traded before the deadline.
@johnnybgood, Good points, but it’s more complicated.
The Warriors’ off-season goal was to improve the roster (i.e. add Al Horford and fill the other spots with minimums) while staying under the 2nd apron. They couldn’t offer Kuminga, literally, $1,000 more and achieve that. (See Luke’s article today.)
Kuminga’s point is that he needs more minutes to prove his value, and playing behind Jimmy Butler won’t allow him for the next 2 years won’t allow him to do that. That’s inarguably true. It’s also true that the Warriors can’t get starter-level utility from Kuminga because, with Butler, they don’t have the minutes to offer him.
The way that both Dunleavey (Lacob) and Kuminga are positioning the current deal is that they hope this season works out well so that they can “rip up” the current agreement at the end of this year, and sign a new multi-year deal at the end of the season. Some here might ridicule that idea, but I truly believe it’s what Lacob wants. Lacob is concerned much more about what happens in 18 months (when Butler, Draymond, Horford, etc expire) than people realize.
It’s been already been reported that Kerr had someone else higher than JK during that draft.
If the Kings do not get off to a good start Monk will be one of the first to go. He also knows that teams were not pounding at the Kings door wanting him.
He was almost out of the league a few years ago. Based on that and what he’s saying here, seems like he has a pretty good perspective on the realities of an NBA career for non stars
i am not blaming him for saying that any NBA player would say the same thing.
@arc, I wasn’t disagreeing with you
disagreeing about what?
> He was almost out of the league a few years ago.
Yes, but that was 4 years ago. He was in very high demand as a FA after last season, where he was runner-up for 6th Man of Year. The previous season, he was also very high in the voting.
I’m not buying the idea that an elite 6th man coming off a 17 ppg season that makes only $17M/yr isn’t highly movable. This off-season has been aberrant because of cap correction. If the Kings want to trade Monk, there will be buyers this trade season.
My comment was in reference to his perspective about not being overly concerned about being traded.
4 years is a short time in life and the runner up in 6th doesn’t seem to have changed his appreciation for being in the league and the contract he was able to procure. Malik Monk has been a Charlotte hornet. He’s ready to ball anywhere
So he’s the first to go but no teams are asking for him? What?
Some team will have an injury and they will offer something the kings want. Kings management knows they will need to pay Muarry next year who they value and want to stay under the apron. Zach is going nowhere so they are stuck with that bad contract.
I’m so glad GSW did not budge for Kuminga, Monk is not a fit on this team at all, anyone who wanted him doesn’t know ball.
Also Kuminga can still be traded for Giannis, so my dream isn’t dead!
@arc89
Maybe, but the Kings aren’t known for their great FO performance. Monk’s size is a limitation, but he’s definitely an above average value at his relatively low contract cost.
With as much as the rest of the West improved, it’s hard to think the Kings will get off to a good start, even though I think Schroder was a good addition.
Everyone needs to hope that Jonathan Kuminga has developed a reliable jumpshot. If he hasn’t, we’re back to last year. He’ll be a slasher on the wing.
There’s a role for guys like that, but it’s not a starring role where you can count on the guy to do a whole bunch of stuff.
A starring role means this: Shoot the three, mid range, beat your man off the dribble to the basket, make winning plays for others, make your teammates better, Rebound on the defensive end, hit the boards on offense, defend a great player on the other team.
A star does six out of eight of these things very well.
How much of this JK can provide will determine his playing time. Simple as that.
I don’t want to hear any garbage about somebody not liking somebody or somebody hating somebody or whatever else you want to come up with.
“Stop talking about labor pains, and show me the baby.”
Yes, though Kerr, somewhat comically, is talking past the real issue. Perhaps to play to his audience and/or placate JK’s misplaced emphasis on starting games. If that keeps the peace, fine. But, obviously, the real issue is Kerr’s belief in JK as a player who gives the team the best chance to win games. Without that, him giving JK a string of nominal starts, even with decent minutes, means very little. Also, personally, I wouldn’t be crazy about my HC pointing out he’s going to start me early in the season, like he did last year, because that’s when winning isn’t as important.
I’ll be super interested in the team vibes this year. Especially when JK passes up the smarter play and shoots his low percentage middy because he’s feeling it lol.
I’m personally hoping he turns into a hard nosed defender and just goes for defense and rebounds. We shall see!
The latest is that Kuminga has a new jersey #, switching from 00 to 1
link to bsky.app
You look at the comment section of that link and they sure destroy him. Not sure why many defend him here. I think the world sees that he could be so much more than he is currently.
But we’re gonna work on it. I think he’s willing and I think the coaching staff aside from Kerr is behind him all the way.
His teammates seem to be on board so hoping for the best.
Gary, Sadly, it’s the case with pretty much every Warriors player other than Steph Curry on Twitter/X and Bluesky: the vast majority of comments are negative.
The worst was with Podz in the first 1/2 of last season. He was, literally, receiving death threats. It’s the world we live in.
Also today, per Anthony Slater:
Kuminga “strenuously” says he doesn’t want to be traded this season.
80% of Warriors fans here have cried and bithhh about Kuminga for over two yrs now. They have called him names. Insulted his intelligence and integrity. Have insulted his agent. All cause he was due a new deal. Like a player is not going to ask for most money.
All these clowns have blamed Kuminga for his growth. For his development. For even being drafted. Crying and complaining for over TWO years ……….
ALL THE POSTS ARE ON RECORD ……..
The only one who ever said the Warriors hold responsibility for Kumingas growth. Was Davey J ..
Yeah ………. Only one
And now we are all on the Kuminga BANDWAGON ….
True WAGONEERS ……..
nothing has happened yet. This can still fail. Try giving it 20-30 gms to see what Kerr does. Act like you been here before ……..
Angry Al, you keep repeating the same thing. We know your position.
Maybe your copying and pasting for some of the new people here who have recently joined? OK then I understand. That’s a good decision in my book.
And personally, I know what I’ve written, I know what I believe, and I know my opinion.
Seriously AA, it’s all here for you and the whole world to read.
I’ve enjoyed reading your basketball comments lately, especially on some of the other articles.
Keep them coming AA.., I love your knowledge and basketball expertise. I enjoy reading what you write. Thanks.
@DaveyJ said:
> Also Kuminga can still be traded for Giannis, so my dream isn’t dead!
I too had been hoping, but I now think it’s a long shot, at best.
In today’s live chat, Luke “The Oracle” Adams said the likelihood a free agent like Giannis being available in 2027 is very small. Luke sounded exactly like Joe Lacob, saying that the new CBA so heavily incentivizes players to sign with their existing teams that the only way they become available is to request a trade.
What follows, per Lacob several times over the past year, is that because franchise player FA’s are so few, when one becomes available by trade, the number of competing teams will be great and the winner will overpay. (“Franchise players” in this context are young. Jimmy and LeBron aren’t “franchis players”, as they’re on the verge of retirement). Lacob says the Warriors will always be in the running for available franchise players like Giannis, but they must plan their future as if it won’t happen.
The reason that Lacob values Kuminga, Podz, and Moody is not because they’re his pet draftees. It’s because the Warriors’ model is to build by developing young players.
@aristot
Luke Adams, I respect his work on here, but his guess is as good as anyone’s. As long as it’s feasible, it’s still on the table. The Bucks keep messing around with building around Giannis, and this is clearly irritating him. I think your point about how getting big names will be tough pretty quickly, is sound though, but this is like, one of the last times something like this can ever be feasibly done. I think Lacob’s secret goal was always end up with Steph and Giannis together, with a solid supporting cast and no Draymond. The Bucks are shooting themselves in the foot, everyone can see it. Why would Giannis stay on a team that is doing a worse job of building around his prime than the Warriors are with Curry?
“but they must plan their future as if it won’t happen.”
Of course this is the reality, and I like this team MDJ built a lot, although, exactly like last year, its undersized guard-heavy and missing 1 last big. We never got that OKC/GSW Finals showdown we all deserved, and that would have really likely put an end to this small ball once and for all if they won, or made GSW triple down on it even more if Curry magic leads to another 2022-style title.
Spotrac trade machine greenlights Bam Adebayo for Kuminga, Moody and Hield btw
GaryRedSoxxWarriors …….
October 2, 2025.
Another coward who thinks a mute mutes the TRUTH.
Angry Al, you keep repeating the same thing. We know your position.
Position ???? There are two yrs worth of posts by all the crybabies. Or you think I did it lol.
Maybe your copying and pasting for some of the new people here who have recently joined? OK then I understand. That’s a good decision in my book.
And personally, I know what I’ve written, I know what I believe, and I know my opinion.
Seriously AA, it’s all here for you and the whole world to read.
These aren’t my posts. They are your posts and Warriors fans. You are annoyed with me cause I defended Kuminga for two yrs. The only angry people here are the WAGONEERS ….. I just point out the hate. So make up some more stuff. I’m entertained.
I’ve enjoyed reading your basketball comments lately, especially on some of the other articles.
Keep them coming AA.., I love your knowledge and basketball expertise. I enjoy reading what you write. Thanks.
I will take this as an apology for your personal insults. I’m not here for you lol. I respond to lies and hate. Kuminga hasn’t deserved it. And if you are truly fans of ball. You should be able to accept blame for the way Warriors have handled Kuminga. Not make it worse by trashing a 20-22 yr old kid. That simple.
Just so you don’t forget. I called him best 2Way talent in his draft. Reminds me of Jimmy. I also said Wiseman was best C in his draft …. I own it
@Davey J • 15 hours ago
“JK -was told to- play ISO ball. You misinterpret this every time. Kerr was the one telling him all these things.”
You crack me up. Kerr has told him he needs to pass the ball and play LESS ISO. When he “looked off Steph”, Kerr was “incensed”, and benched him not just for the rest of the Blazers game, but the next one vs the Clippers that the Warriors lost in OT, and vs the Grizzlies in the play-in game -remember?
“Despite his talent, Kuminga’s propensity to look for his shot at the expense of the flow of Golden State’s offense has irked the coaching staff,” Murdock wrote. “During a late-season game against the Blazers, team sources say Kerr was incensed after several instances in which Kuminga looked off Curry to create his own offense. Kuminga subsequently received DNPs in the Warriors’ regular-season finale against the Clippers and then again in their play-in matchup against the Grizzlies. By the start of the playoffs, many within the organization wondered whether Kuminga, who is eligible for an extension, had played his last game as a Warrior.”
link to hoopswire.com
@NBAisOK,
Respectfully, @DaveyJ has a point. Prior to Jimmy arriving, the Warrriors did.run a different offense when Steph was off and JK was on. And it involved ISO’s and a lot of ball screens for JK — which you wouldn’t see when the Warrriors were running their motion offense. That’s what @DaveyJ is referring to.
What you and Murdoch are referring to, not making the right play with Steph on the floor, has also happened a good deal, but it ignores the whole picture, which is that , pre-Jimmy Butler, JK significantly improved the performance of Steph and the motion offense.
Happy to show you the numbers if you want.
@aristotle once again, thank you for being the voice of reason on here. Sometimes it feels like you and Michol are the only ones who actually want to talk ball and not get into a urinating contest over nothing. @NBA is OK is always purposely never respecting anything I say, even when I am correct, as you pointed out. Wish he’d stop saying I “crack him up” and instead just “yes, and” instead.