After reaching a buyout agreement with Bradley Beal, who is set to join the Los Angeles Clippers for the upcoming season, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly keen on acquiring Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors. According to Jake Fischer from The Stein Line, the Suns have reached out to the Warriors regarding the restricted free agent.
Kuminga is looking for a lucrative contract that exceeds what the Warriors are currently willing to offer, along with expressing his desire for a larger and steadier role in the team’s lineup. While there’s still hope for the Warriors and Kuminga to reach a new deal, the likelihood is increasing that he may be playing elsewhere next season.
However, the challenge lies in the limited number of teams possessing the necessary cap space to meet his contract demands, estimated to be around $25 million per year. Previously, the Chicago Bulls were seen as a potential option, but they have not yet finalized an agreement with another restricted free agent, Josh Giddey, suggesting that they are currently hesitant to make significant moves.
The Sacramento Kings have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Kuminga, but no discussions appear to have progressed in that direction.
Should the Suns wish to pursue Kuminga seriously, there will be obstacles to overcome. The Warriors are reportedly asking for first-round draft picks in any potential sign-and-trade deal, which poses a significant challenge for Phoenix. Following their trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, the Suns received only one first-round pick, which they used to draft Khaman Maluach. Compounding their situation, the Suns won’t have access to their own first-round picks until 2032, with restrictions in place due to commitments to the Utah Jazz regarding their 2031 pick.
If the Suns are eager to secure Kuminga, it may necessitate involving a third team to facilitate a deal that meets the asset requirements the Warriors are seeking.
The ongoing developments highlight the competitive nature of NBA negotiations and indicate the Suns are ambitious in their roster building as they navigate challenges to strengthen their lineup.