News from Westbrook

The most magical plot in the NBA offseason is being staged - Jonathan Kumingga, with his own strength, directly frozen the entire free market!

On August 2, Forbes sports reporter Evan SIdery broke the news that the Kings were planning a big deal and they were eager to get Kumingga and Westbrook at the same time.

But the current situation is that Westbrook, Horford and Melton are all holding back, waiting for the dust to settle for Kumingga's problem. The Kings offered a tempting 3-year offer of $63 million for Kuminga and were willing to send Monk and a protected first-round pick to the Warriors to facilitate the sign-on and then exchange deal.

Ko The Warriors' attitude was extremely firm and made it clear that they must replace the protected first-round pick with an unprotected first-round pick, and the two sides were in a stalemate. Now, the Warriors even plan to close the transaction negotiations of Kumingga first and then exchange, and plan to wait until the trading deadline in February next year to restart.

Once Kumingga accepts a one-year qualification offer of 7.9 million to stay with the Warriors, the new contracts for Westbrook, Horford and Melton can be quickly finalized.

So why did Westbrook wait for Kumingga?

King's reporter Matt George gave an explanation. After the Kings signed Schroeder for 45 million in three years, the back line players were crowded and the operation space was very limited. The king hopes to borrow Kumingga's deal and send Devin Carter or Malik Monk away, so as to clear a position for Westbrook.

Moreover, the Kings currently have 15 formal contracts. If they simply get 1 for 1 trade, they will have to cut off one player if they want to sign Westbrook. The Kings initially offered the Warriors a price of Saric + Devin Carter + 1 protected first-round pick, which can not only clear the backcourt position, but also give free places to sign Westbrook directly.

2024 - 25 regular season, when he started with the Nuggets, the team achieved a 22-14 record. During this period, Westbrook averaged 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.7 steals per game, shooting 50.4% from the field, 33.8% from three-pointers and 68% from free throws.

But in the second half of the season, with Nuggets coach Malone being dismissed, Westbrook returned to the bench. In this playoffs, Westbrook's data declined, averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.3 turnovers. The three shooting percentages were not ideal.

Kuminga's contract renewal issue has undoubtedly become the biggest "stumbling block" in the free market this offseason. What is his future? Who will be the winner of Westbrook, Horford and other players? This series of suspense will be revealed to us.