In a dramatic twist that could significantly reshape the Western Conference’s competitive balance, the Phoenix Suns have emerged as aggressive suitors for rising Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. According to sources close to the situation, the Suns have formally extended a lucrative four-year, $90 million contract offer to the 21-year-old, hoping to pry him away from a Warriors team that has remained firm in its stance—they are not interested in Phoenix’s current package. The reality is that any acquisition of Kuminga would require a sign-and-trade agreement due to his restricted free-agent status and current contractual obligations. Yet, that necessary next step has quickly become the central obstacle standing between the Suns and their ambitious plans.
Phoenix’s interest in Kuminga comes as no surprise. The former No. 7 overall pick has shown flashes of star potential throughout his early career, boasting a tantalizing mix of athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring upside. In the 2024-2025 season, Kuminga took a noticeable leap in production, averaging 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while playing increasingly critical minutes for a Warriors team still attempting to navigate the twilight of its championship core. He displayed improved confidence in his shooting mechanics, and his defensive acumen, particularly in switch-heavy schemes, made him one of Golden State’s most valuable on-ball defenders. That growth has not gone unnoticed around the league, especially in Phoenix, where the front office sees him as a crucial missing link in their quest to contend with a top-heavy roster centered around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Phoenix’s roster is undeniably loaded with offensive talent, but the team’s inability to maintain defensive consistency and its lack of depth on the wing were painfully exposed during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Their early exit once again highlighted the structural imbalances in a team overly reliant on aging stars and mid-level contributors. The acquisition of Kuminga would not only inject youth into the rotation but also provide a defensive stopper who can take on the burden of guarding elite wings—something the Suns have lacked since the departure of Mikal Bridges. More importantly, Kuminga’s presence would allow Phoenix to better manage Durant’s minutes and reduce the wear and tear on Booker and Beal, who were both asked to shoulder tremendous loads on both ends of the court throughout the season.
Yet, despite Phoenix’s enticing offer, Golden State is under no obligation to accommodate their Western Conference rival. The Warriors have made it clear that they are not interested in the Suns’ current proposal, which reportedly centers around draft picks and salary filler contracts that do little to address Golden State’s desire to remain competitive in the short term. With Stephen Curry still playing at an elite level and Draymond Green returning for what could be one of his final seasons, the Warriors are not inclined to participate in a transaction that would signal a step back. Golden State believes Kuminga could be an essential bridge from the current era to a new one—he represents both immediate utility and long-term investment.
For Phoenix, the challenge now is multifaceted. Not only must they convince Golden State to engage in meaningful sign-and-trade discussions, but they must also reckon with the financial implications of adding a $90 million player to a roster already pressed against the second tax apron. The new collective bargaining agreement has made such transactions considerably more complex, and while Phoenix ownership has shown a willingness to spend, there is growing skepticism about whether the Suns can absorb Kuminga’s deal without shedding one of their own major contracts. Given that Durant, Booker, and Beal are not expected to be moved, it’s likely that Phoenix would need to offload players like Jusuf Nurkić or Grayson Allen to create breathing room—players who, ironically, may not hold much appeal to the Warriors in a trade.
