Just after finalizing a buyout with Bradley Beal — who is now expected to join the Los Angeles Clippers — the Phoenix Suns may already have their eyes set on a new piece. According to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, the Suns have reached out to the Golden State Warriors about restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga has reportedly been pushing for a bigger payday than Golden State is willing to offer, and he’s also been transparent about wanting a more significant and stable role in the Warriors’ rotation. While a short-term deal between Kuminga and the Warriors is still possible, the more realistic scenario appears to be a move elsewhere.
The challenge? Few teams currently have the cap space to offer the $25 million per year that Kuminga is reportedly targeting. At one point, the Chicago Bulls were believed to be interested, but they haven’t even resolved negotiations with their own restricted free agent, Josh Giddey. While the Bulls haven’t been ruled out, the lack of progress suggests they’re not in a rush to make a move.
The Sacramento Kings were also mentioned as a potential suitor by Fischer, but like Chicago, there’s been no movement on that front.
Phoenix might be a fascinating fit for Kuminga, but pulling off a deal wouldn’t be easy. Golden State reportedly wants a first-round pick in return via a sign-and-trade — something the Suns can’t readily provide. Despite trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, Phoenix only received one first-rounder in return: the No. 10 pick in 2025, which they used on Duke center Khaman Maluach. Beyond that, they don’t control any of their first-round selections until 2032, as their 2031 pick is already owed to the Utah Jazz.
If the Suns are serious about landing Kuminga, a third team would likely need to get involved to help send the Warriors the draft capital they’re looking for.
