Suns Make Strong Push for Warriors’ Forward Jonathan Kuminga, But Deal Remains Unlikely
The Phoenix Suns, along with the Sacramento Kings, have reportedly made firm and detailed trade offers to acquire Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. Despite the effort from both teams, Golden State has shown no real interest in engaging with their sign-and-trade proposals.
Charania revealed that both the Suns and Kings have approached the Warriors with concrete offers centered around Kuminga, who is currently a restricted free agent. Being in that position gives Golden State the right to match any offer sheet the young forward signs with another team, which complicates any potential sign-and-trade scenario.
In addition to Charania’s report, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro has confirmed that the Suns have indeed been in discussions regarding Kuminga. However, he emphasized that the chances of a successful trade going through are slim at this stage. According to Gambadoro, Phoenix is aware of how challenging it would be to reach an agreement with Golden State, particularly because the Warriors don’t seem inclined to make a deal under the current conditions.
Kuminga Unhappy With Warriors’ Current Offer, Exploring Options
Charania also noted that Kuminga himself is not satisfied with the terms Golden State has put forward. Speaking directly with the player, Charania reported that the 21-year-old forward is choosing to be patient as he weighs his options. He appears open to the idea of a sign-and-trade if another team can provide him with a clear opportunity to be a starter and a regular part of the rotation — something he has struggled to secure consistently with the Warriors.
Both Phoenix and Sacramento could potentially offer such an opportunity. Depending on what assets they would have to give up in a trade, either team might be able to slot Kuminga into a starting or at least high-minutes role, which would likely appeal to the talented but still developing forward.
Still, despite the Suns’ serious interest and the possibility of offering Kuminga a better role, negotiations remain at a standstill. As Charania explained, this has become a bit of a “staring contest.” With the NBA offseason dragging on and the bulk of available free-agent money already spent in recent weeks, neither side is showing urgency to get a deal done immediately.
Trade Still a Long Shot Despite Suns’ Serious Approach
While Phoenix has made a real effort to pursue Kuminga, it’s important to note that a trade is far from guaranteed. This is not the first time the Suns have been linked to the Warriors forward — Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports initially reported that Phoenix had contacted both Golden State and Kuminga’s representatives earlier in July.
However, the Warriors have remained consistent in their demands. According to Fischer, Golden State is seeking substantial compensation, including a first-round draft pick, in any sign-and-trade scenario. That’s a steep asking price for Phoenix, especially considering the team’s limited future draft capital and already tight salary structure.
The Suns have recently gained more flexibility after moving below the NBA’s dreaded first and second tax aprons, which allows them to explore more creative roster moves and combine salaries in trades. That could work in their favor in a potential Kuminga deal.
Currently, Phoenix possesses a number of tradable contracts that could be included in a package for Kuminga. Players such as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Nick Richards are names that have been floated as possible pieces to help match salaries in a deal. However, it’s unclear if Golden State has much interest in any of those players, or whether they view them as worthwhile returns for a promising young forward like Kuminga.
Why Phoenix Is Interested in Kuminga
From Phoenix’s standpoint, the interest in Jonathan Kuminga is easy to understand. The former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has shown flashes of high-level two-way potential. Standing 6-foot-8 with elite athleticism and defensive versatility, Kuminga could fill a valuable role on a Suns roster that is looking to reload around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
In particular, Phoenix is in need of youthful legs, athleticism, and defensive upside on the wing. Kuminga checks all those boxes. Even though he has had an inconsistent role under Steve Kerr in Golden State, his per-minute production has improved each year, and his ability to guard multiple positions and play in transition could help balance a veteran-heavy Suns rotation.
From Kuminga’s point of view, a move to Phoenix could be mutually beneficial. He would likely find more minutes and a more defined role under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, especially if the Suns part with a couple of veterans in any trade.
Golden State Holding Firm on Kuminga’s Value
Still, Golden State has little incentive to let Kuminga walk for less than his perceived value. The 21-year-old forward is viewed internally as one of the few remaining high-upside pieces in the post-Steph Curry era. While he’s not yet become a star, Kuminga is still young and improving, and the Warriors may prefer to hold onto him unless they’re blown away by a trade offer.
Moreover, Golden State might be willing to play hardball during this standoff, banking on the market drying up and Kuminga eventually re-signing for less than he initially hoped — either with them or through a more favorable sign-and-trade later on.
That strategy could backfire, though, if Kuminga becomes increasingly frustrated with his role and seeks a move away from the franchise regardless of the circumstances. It’s a delicate balance, and the Warriors are clearly being careful about how they navigate it.
What’s Next?
For now, the trade rumors surrounding Jonathan Kuminga and the Suns remain just that — rumors. While Phoenix has made what’s being described as a “concrete” offer, there’s no indication that a deal is imminent or even likely.
The ball is effectively in Golden State’s court. The Warriors must decide whether to accept one of the current offers, continue negotiating for better terms, or hold onto Kuminga and try to work things out internally.
As the offseason progresses and training camps inch closer, the pressure may mount for all sides to reach a resolution. Until then, the standoff continues, with Phoenix and Sacramento both hoping they can pry away one of the NBA’s more intriguing young talents.
