The Phoenix Suns may not be done reshaping their roster. Just days after finalizing a surprise buyout with Bradley Beal, Phoenix is reportedly eyeing Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga in a potential sign-and-trade. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns have contacted both Kuminga’s camp and Golden State’s front office to express interest, though a deal remains difficult due to cap constraints and roster construction.
“Sources say Phoenix, meanwhile, is the latest team to express exploratory interest in a Kuminga sign-and-trade, challenging as it would be for the Suns to make such a deal happen,” wrote Fischer. “Fresh off completing a buyout of Bradley Beal this week, enabling the Suns to waive-and-stretch the hefty contract possessed by the three-time NBA All-Star guard, they have contacted both Kuminga’s representation and the Warriors to make their fondness for the bouncy swingman known.”
The Suns are still in the process of re-shaping their roster after trading Kevin Durant and buying out Bradley Beal’s contract. As they look for ways to improve, their attention has now turned to Golden State, where Jonathan Kuminga looms as a potential trade target. He’s a restricted free agent right now, reportedly looking for a deal that pays around $30 million per year.
While contact has been made on a potential deal, the logistics could be challenging due to Phoenix’s financial limitations and Golden State’s current roster stance.
One potential deal could be:
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade for $32 million per year)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal, Nick Richards, 2029 second-round pick
For Phoenix, the acquisition would help to increase their depth while expanding their current arsenal of young talent. As a springy 21-year-old with two-way upside and All-Star potential, Kuminga makes sense for a Suns team that needs youth, athleticism, and defensive versatility in the post-Beal era. As the franchise moves in a new direction, with Devin Booker at the helm, they’ll need players like Kuminga to spark a revival and return the team to a state of contention.
On the Warriors’ side, Kuminga’s fluctuating trade value could limit Golden State’s leverage in negotiations. Still, the Warriors could acquire useful contributors and veteran depth in return from Phoenix. Since they are giving away the best player in this deal, the Warriors would also get back a future second-round draft pick to help set them up after Stephen Curry’s retirement.
As good as Kuminga was in Golden State (12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists for his career so far), his place in the rotation was unsteady, and it’s clear he had some frustrations with his role under head coach Steve Kerr. With Jimmy Butler now on the team, they are in a different mode now, one that favors proven veterans and role-players like Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neal to help keep flexible against any opponent.
Kuminga, 22, gets the chance for a fresh start in brand new territory, and his energetic presence could thrive in a larger role on a team with much less pressure to compete. While his game is still raw, he has the potential to be a high-impact player in Phoenix, especially on defense, where they need him the most.
