Jonathan Kuminga’s Future: Warriors Exploring Sign-and-Trade Deal Amid Interest from Suns, Others
The Golden State Warriors are actively exploring options for forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is currently a restricted free agent. Though talented and athletic, Kuminga’s future with the Warriors appears increasingly uncertain, with both the player and the franchise at odds over his next destination. Among the teams reportedly interested are the Phoenix Suns, who are eager to add youthful firepower to their roster. However, making a trade happen is easier said than done.
The Suns, although heavily intrigued by Kuminga’s potential, lack the necessary draft capital to present a compelling deal to Golden State on their own. Their current assets don’t meet the Warriors’ demands, especially since the Bay Area team has made it abundantly clear that no deal for Kuminga will be considered unless a first-round draft pick is involved.
A trade proposal by Fadeaway World has generated buzz. The mock deal outlines a sign-and-trade package involving the Suns sending three rotation players and a draft asset to the Warriors. The suggested structure is as follows:
- Golden State receives: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, and a 2027 first-round pick (via Washington as a swap).
- Phoenix receives: Jonathan Kuminga via a sign-and-trade.
Although not a blockbuster offer in terms of superstar talent, this trade could meet the minimum threshold for the Warriors’ front office—specifically, the acquisition of a first-round pick, even in a swap format. NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein had previously reported that Golden State would not entertain any sign-and-trade ideas for Kuminga unless a first-rounder was involved in the return package.
Strategic Additions for the Warriors?
The proposed trade pieces could offer value to the Warriors beyond mere numbers. Grayson Allen, for instance, brings an elite perimeter shooting game and strong defensive effort. In the 2023–24 season, Allen hit 205 three-pointers at an impressive 46.1% shooting clip—one of the highest in the league. While his numbers dipped slightly last season, those struggles were largely attributed to internal turmoil within the Suns organization, not a regression in ability.
Allen also averaged 10.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 42.6% from long range in the most recent season. His efficient shooting and ability to space the floor would pair well with the Warriors’ ball-movement-heavy offense. On defense, Allen’s intensity would help reinforce a second unit that often struggled with consistency.
Royce O’Neale is another name included in the deal who could bolster the Warriors’ wing rotation. A seasoned 3-and-D forward, O’Neale averaged 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds while maintaining solid shooting percentages—42.3% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. His defensive prowess and spot-up shooting make him a reliable option in Steve Kerr’s rotation, particularly in crunch-time scenarios.
Together, Allen and O’Neale would help replenish the Warriors’ aging perimeter unit, providing the kind of veteran presence that has proven invaluable in past championship runs.
Nick Richards: A Critical Frontcourt Solution
While Allen and O’Neale help fortify the wings, Nick Richards addresses perhaps Golden State’s most glaring need—interior defense and rebounding. At 7 feet tall, Richards averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and nearly one block per game last season, doing so in just under 23 minutes per contest.
His athleticism and rim-running ability perfectly align with the Warriors’ up-tempo style. The team often thrives when pushing the pace, and Richards could serve as a dynamic presence on both ends during transition plays. Although he lacks a perimeter shot, his ability to finish inside and serve as a pick-and-roll threat could help replace the now-departed Kevon Looney, who recently signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Moreover, Richards could provide the kind of rebounding and rim protection that the Warriors sorely missed during stretches of last season. The team often found itself outmuscled in the paint, and adding a traditional big man could help shift that dynamic back in their favor.
Kuminga-Warriors Relationship Reaching Breaking Point
As for Kuminga, the rift between him and the franchise continues to widen. Reports indicate that both sides are at a virtual standstill. According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the two camps have made little progress in resolving the situation, with conversations nearly nonexistent.
Poole described the situation as a kind of “Restricted Free Agent jail,” implying that both Kuminga and the Warriors are trapped in a deadlock. The Warriors want to extract proper value for a young forward with untapped potential, while Kuminga is determined to find a fresh start elsewhere.
Kuminga has reportedly made it clear that he has no desire to return to Golden State, where he often struggled to carve out a consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. Despite flashes of brilliance, his development has been uneven—partly due to limited playing time and a crowded frontcourt featuring veterans and established stars.
The Warriors, on their end, are hesitant to simply give him away for an underwhelming package, especially since Kuminga still has considerable upside as a two-way player. This standoff has placed the team in a difficult position: balancing long-term team-building with the urgency to remain competitive in the cutthroat Western Conference.
Other Teams in the Mix
Though the Suns remain a top suitor, they aren’t the only ones eyeing Kuminga. Other franchises such as the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat have all reportedly shown interest in acquiring the athletic forward. These teams could present alternative trade scenarios, possibly with more appealing draft or player assets that could meet the Warriors’ demands.
The fact that multiple teams are in the running could ultimately drive up Kuminga’s market value, giving Golden State additional leverage. If a bidding war emerges, the Warriors may be able to secure a more lucrative return package, whether in the form of higher draft picks or younger, high-upside players.
Outlook Moving Forward
With training camps and the preseason approaching fast, Golden State is under pressure to resolve the Kuminga situation swiftly. Delaying the trade could create an unnecessary distraction, especially for a team looking to retool around its veteran core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
At this stage, a sign-and-trade deal appears to be the most viable path forward. If the Suns can sweeten their offer—possibly by involving a third team to contribute additional draft compensation—Golden State may finally feel comfortable pulling the trigger.
The Warriors’ offseason has been one of tough decisions, and what happens with Jonathan Kuminga may ultimately shape the next phase of the franchise’s future.
