Sacramento Kings Make 2 Players Untouchable in Trade Talks with Warriors

 


The Sacramento Kings seem to be the only team with real designs on swinging a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors for disgruntled restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. But for that to ever come to fruition, the Warriors had best drop any designs they have on two particular young Kings players, who have been designated "untouchable", per a report from Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.

Former 4th overall pick Keegan Murray (2022 NBA Draft), and the undrafted gem of a find (from the same draft year), Keon Ellis, are going nowhere. 

Many teams have tried, but failed, to get the Kings to trade Murray, but even after a bit of a downturn this past season in the scoring department, he is still thought of as a key piece of the Kings' core going forward. He averaged 12.4 ppg last season, down three points from the previous year, but his rebounding improved, to a career-best 6.7 per game. 

Ellis has been an elite 3-and-D find for the Kings, acting as a defensive disruptor on defense and a floor spacer on offense. Last season, Ellis, the 6'6" guard, averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 steals, about 1.8 deflections, and 43.3% shooting from long range. He played 80 games (starting in 28) and played a career-high 24.4 minutes per night. 

Per 36 Minutes, the energy role player averaged 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks, and 2.65 deflections.

The Kuminga situation is looking like it's bound to end with the RFA taking Golden State’s $7.5 million qualifying offer in order to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Photo: © Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images