
Suns Eye Jonathan Kuminga in Potential Sign-and-Trade as Warriors Wait on Forward's Demand for Higher Salary
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors via a sign-and-trade deal, as he seeks a lucrative contract.
Fresh off agreeing to a buyout with Bradley Beal, who will join the Los Angeles Clippers next season, the Phoenix Suns are now targeting Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent from the Golden State Warriors. Reports indicate that Kuminga is seeking a contract exceeding what the Warriors are prepared to offer him. He has openly expressed his desire for a more significant role within the Warriors’ lineup.
While the possibility of the two sides reaching a new contract remains, it seems increasingly likely that Kuminga will find a new home for the upcoming season. However, teams with the necessary cap space to meet Kuminga’s anticipated demand of at least $25 million per year are sparse.
The Chicago Bulls were once regarded as a potential destination, but they haven’t finalized an agreement with their own restricted free agent, Josh Giddey. This suggests a slower pace in their dealings at this time.
The Kings were also mentioned as a likely fit for Kuminga, but no significant developments have been noted. The Suns, although a compelling option, would need to navigate various challenges to complete a sign-and-trade deal. The Warriors are expected to seek first-round picks in any trade, a resource the Suns currently lack. Trading away Kevin Durant netted them only one first-round pick, which was the No. 10 pick in the 2025 Draft, used to select Khaman Maluach. Additionally, the Suns won’t have control over any of their first-round picks until 2032, owing a 2031 pick to the Utah Jazz.
If the Suns are genuinely interested in Kuminga, they may need to engage a third team to facilitate a deal that satisfies the Warriors’ demands.