Jonathan Kuminga trade speculation: Suns best fit for Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga trade speculation continues to swirl around the Golden State Warriors forward after ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have made sign-and-trade offers for the restricted free agent.
Check out the latest chatter from NBA writers surrounding the 6-foot-7 forward who averaged 15.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game and 2.2 assists per game last season, but is reportedly looking for an increased role after shining in the Warriors' NBA playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Are the Suns a good fit for Kuminga? Do they have the assets to trade for him? What kind of role could he potentially have in Phoenix?
CBS Sports: Phoenix Suns best fit for Jonathan Kuminga
Sam Quinn wrote: "Phoenix is still a questionable basketball fit for Kuminga. He wants shots and half of the Suns' roster is comprised of shooting guards. But more than anything, the Suns need upside. They need to hit on a young player or two and rebuild their broken core. Kuminga is a chance on that front. He'd have to defend better than he has with the Warriors and figure out how to fit on a quietly stuffed offense, but if he could, he has a chance to be a very good player."
ESPN: Suns' offer for Jonathan Kuminga doesn't 'move the needle'
Anthony Slater wrote or the Suns and Kings: "Both suitors remain on the fringe of these talks, attempting to engage the Warriors on packages but delivering nothing that has moved the needle. The Warriors don't want to add what they view as bad salary, would like a promising young player and have been steadfast in their request for a first-round pick in any Kuminga sign-and-trade talks, league sources said. Phoenix doesn't even have a first-round pick available to trade."
Clutch Points: Suns offered Grayson Allen in sign-and-trade package for Jonathan Kuminga
Brett Siegel wrote: "The Suns' interest in Kuminga has not changed since the trade deadline, but there haven't been any serious developments on this front, league sources said. Allen is a player Phoenix has brought up in brief sign-and-trade talks with Golden State, but that is not a contract the Warriors would want to add in a potential deal involving Kuminga this summer."
SB Nation: Royce O'Neale, Nick Richards names to watch in potential Jonathan Kuminga trade
Holden Sherman wrote: "Royce O’Neale and Nick Richards are also other names to monitor in a possible sign-and-trade for Kuminga due to their salaries and unclear roles on the team after Phoenix’s acquisitions this offseason. … Whether the Suns want him or not, Golden State will continue to be in the driver's seat for his services because he’s a restricted free agent, meaning the team will be able to match any offer he accepts with another team."
Athlon Sports: What would it cost Phoenix Suns to trade for Jonathan Kuminga?
The site proposed the Suns send Royce O'Neale, Nick Richards and two future second-round picks to Golden State for Kuminga.
It wrote: "Despite his troubles with the Warriors system last season, his high-upside talent is clearly visible. He’s an improving shooter with a varied offensive game, alongside flashes of high defensive utility. He might not get the on-ball reps he wants in Phoenix next to Booker and Green, but he could be the perfect complementary wing to the high-scoring backcourt duo. If he continues to improve, he could have a star-like role in Phoenix in the future and help the franchise return to Playoff contention."
Fansided: Jonathan Kuminga could be a missing piece for Phoenix Suns
Jordanna Clark wrote: "It seems like Kuminga should be older than he is, but he's only 22. He'll turn 23 in October. He has the potential to become the player he thinks he can evolve into. It wouldn't hurt the Suns to take a swing on him, especially since his value has dipped over the past few weeks. … Phoenix hasn't had much luck the past couple of seasons (and even that is an understatement), but maybe, just maybe, Kuminga is a piece of the puzzle that the Suns are missing."
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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