NBA salary cap expert believes the Kings can still land Jonathan Kuminga

The Sacramento Kings have spent much of the offseason reshaping their financial outlook, and according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the franchise has positioned itself with more flexibility than many realize.

Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Smith broke down Sacramento’s salary cap situation following the decision to waive DeMar DeRozan and explained why the Kings remain in the conversation for players like Jonathan Kuminga and even Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren.

Smith said waiving DeRozan ($10 million guaranteed for 2026-27) gave Sacramento significantly more breathing room below the NBA’s tax thresholds.

“They’re now under both aprons comfortably,” Smith said. “They’re about $4 million under the luxury tax, they’re about $9 million or so under the first apron.”

That flexibility could allow Sacramento to utilize a portion of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, with Smith estimating the Kings could spend roughly $8-9 million in free agency while remaining below the first apron.

If the organization elects to stretch DeRozan’s remaining dead salary, that number could increase enough to unlock the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth just over $15 million.

That financial flexibility could become important if Kuminga’s market continues to cool.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 01: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on March 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The former Golden State Warriors forward entered free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24 million option, and Smith believes Sacramento shouldn’t be ruled out despite its limited cap space.

“I do think there’s a chance we could still see him with the Kings,” Smith said. “Especially again as his market kind of dries up there.”

Smith noted the Los Angeles Lakers remain a serious contender but would likely need a sign-and-trade to make the finances work. If those negotiations stall, Sacramento could become a more attractive landing spot on a short-term “prove-it” contract using the mid-level exception.

Still, Smith cautioned against blocking the development of the Kings’ young core.

“I’d like to see guys like Darius Acuff Jr., Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud get room to kind of explore the studio space a little bit,” Smith said.

The more intriguing possibility remains Duren.

After making his first All-Star team and earning All-NBA Third Team honors, the Pistons center became eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension. Smith said Detroit wants to retain Duren but isn’t eager to offer the full maximum contract.

“They would like to have Jalen Duren back, but they’re not going to overextend on that next contract for him,” Smith explained.

Because cap space across the league has largely disappeared, Smith believes any move involving Duren would almost certainly have to be a sign-and-trade.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

For Sacramento, that would require matching salary — potentially involving Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, or even a multi-team framework —something the Pistons have shown little-to-no interest in when it comes to a Duren sign-and-trade.

Despite those challenges, Smith emphasized the door remains open.

“Those paths are still open until something’s done with those two guys,” Smith said. “I think the Kings are still sitting in a spot where they could get involved very easily.”

While the Sacramento Kings aren’t operating with abundant cap space, Smith believes they’ve improved their financial outlook enough to remain opportunistic.

Whether it’s taking a swing on Kuminga or finding a creative pathway to acquire Duren, Sacramento still has avenues available as the offseason continues.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

With the California Classic in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, with action set to tip off on Thursday night at UNLV.

Sacramento is set to face the fifth-overall pick, Keaton Wagler, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Doug Christie’s Kings Future: Can he earn an extension this season?49ers DC Raheem Morris raves about Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw & Nick BosaBrock Purdy calls throwing to Mike Evans ‘surreal’ as 49ers begin Training CampFaithful Flashbacks #34: Home Sweet HomeFaithful Flashbacks #32: Kaepernick’s Playoff RecordJonathan Mogbo made a strong first impression in NBA Summer League