The dominoes are falling fast in Northern California, and the emotions are running even faster.

Jonathan Kuminga. Benched. Forgotten. His minutes vanished in the biggest game of the year, and the message was loud: he’s no longer part of the plan. After the loss, fans watched him stay behind, getting shots up under the scoreboard — not because it would change anything, but because it was all he had left to control.

Across the bridge? Sacramento crashed out of the play-in like they never even belonged there. A season that once felt promising ended in silence. Fans frustrated. Players stunned. And up top? Owner Vivek Ranadivé is already plotting what comes next — and reportedly, that next big swing might be for Kuminga.

A tweet from @warriorsworld lit the fuse: “Vivek will give JK all the $$$ this Summer.” Kings fans felt a mix of hope and déjà vu. Warriors fans saw it as confirmation: this relationship is broken.

But in all reality, Kuminga might be the Kings’ shot at athleticism, youth, and a fresh start. He brings fire. Plus, there’s a lot of talk about Sacramento wanting to restructure, especially after the disappointing season they had this year. But for this to happen, something (or someone) might have to shift — and that might be Domantas Sabonis.

All of this makes sense because there’s also growing chatter around the league that Sacramento could become a big seller ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. And if the front office doesn’t set a clear path forward, insiders believe Sabonis could be one of the first to ask out. He’s locked in through 2028, but players of his caliber don’t wait around for clarity — they demand it.

He had the numbers: 19.5 points, 14 boards, 6 dimes. But when the lights got bright? He vanished. Again. And now, Kings fans are starting to wonder: Is he the future, or just a stat-padding mirage?

Over in Lakerland, the dream machine is already working overtime. Fans are flooding comment sections with fantasy trades, imagining Sabonis in Purple and Gold alongside LeBron and Luka Dončić. It’s not a Woj bomb — but it’s enough noise to start a storm.

Fan Reactions and the Bigger Picture

The mood on social media has swung from hopeful to furious in both fan bases. Let’s start with Kuminga. His fall from favor hasn’t just been about minutes. It’s about fit. Kerr’s system values ball movement, defensive rotations, and IQ over raw explosiveness. Kuminga, while gifted, has struggled with decision-making and shooting consistency (just 17.1% from three post-injury). For a Kings team ranked near the bottom in defensive rating and turnover control, adding Kuminga isn’t just a fix — it’s a gamble.

But what does Dub Nation think of a potential crossover? They’re spiraling!

“If Steve Kerr is really leaving Jonathan Kuminga out of the rotation and he actually admitted that he doesn’t fit with Butler, Draymond, etc. I really hope they trade him for a haul and move on.” That frustration reflects how many feel Kuminga is being wasted in a system that doesn’t suit his strengths.

“Any Jonathan Kuminga trade will now be either overpaying for a mediocre asset as a sign & trade hard caps the receiving team & complicates things. FO really fumbled here.” This highlights the front office’s missteps that could lead to Golden State losing him for less than his value.

“I’m convinced of Steve Kerr’s incompetence. Jonathan Kuminga needs to demand a trade and ensure he has an opportunity next season someplace else.” That’s the kind of raw take that signals just how fractured the relationship might be.

And from Sacramento’s corner: “I need that Keegan for Kuminga trade asap.” It’s bold, sure. But it shows that Kings fans are hungry for a shake-up — even if it means letting go of their own rising star to get someone they believe has superstar potential.

As for Sabonis? He’s not safe from the heat either.

“Sabonis next season to the Lakers bros talent is getting wasted in Sacramento,” one fan posted — a blunt take that reflects the growing belief that Sabonis needs a bigger stage.

But not everyone agrees. “He should stay though. Their squad just needs better defensive play so, trade away some players & draft some defenders… Defending is the issue they have been having for the last several years.” That fan sees Sabonis not as the problem, but as part of the solution — if the Kings build smarter around him.

Whether it’s Kuminga looking for a system that actually believes in him, or Sabonis facing the end of his run as Sacramento’s anchor, these situations are bigger than just numbers. They’re about timelines, trust, and identity. Warriors fans want a resolution. Kings fans want evolution. Both sides want to matter again.

And maybe, just maybe, one bold move can get them there.