Phoenix Suns Exploring Bold Sign-and-Trade Deal with Golden State Warriors Centered Around Forward Jonathan Kuminga, per Jake Fischer

In a move that could shift the balance of power in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns have reportedly expressed serious interest in executing a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors involving explosive forward Jonathan Kuminga. NBA insider Jake Fischer broke the news Thursday in The Stein Line newsletter by Marc Stein, sparking fresh intrigue around Phoenix’s offseason strategy and Golden State’s long-term vision.

The Suns, who are looking to add youth, athleticism, and defensive versatility to their aging and top-heavy roster, view Kuminga as a potential difference-maker. The 21-year-old forward, who showed flashes of brilliance during his third season with the Warriors, has been a subject of trade speculation for months. But this recent report is the first credible indication of Phoenix stepping up to engage Golden State on a serious level, with the intention of working out a mutually beneficial deal.

Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had the best year of his young career during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, all career highs, while shooting over 52% from the field. Known for his explosive athleticism, defensive potential, and improving offensive skill set, Kuminga emerged as one of the few bright spots in what was an underwhelming Warriors season.

Golden State, meanwhile, faces a crossroads. After years of title contention and luxury-tax-busting payrolls, the Warriors are under pressure to reshape their roster and build a sustainable future around young talent. Kuminga is certainly part of that group, but league insiders suggest that Golden State might be open to moving him if it means receiving win-now assets or creating financial flexibility. With Klay Thompson gone and Draymond Green’s timeline not quite aligned with their younger core, the Warriors may be willing to engage in creative roster-building — and the Suns, with their veteran-heavy squad, could offer just that.

For the Suns, the pursuit of Kuminga represents a pivot. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the front office seems intent on retooling. With a top-heavy roster led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Phoenix lacks both depth and cap space. But a sign-and-trade could offer them a route to infuse younger talent into the mix without outright clearing house. Kuminga, on a relatively affordable contract and brimming with upside, fits the mold.

It’s unclear who the Suns would be willing to part with in such a deal. The likeliest candidates would involve one of their upcoming free agents packaged in a sign-and-trade, potentially along with draft compensation or younger role players. Among the names floated in league circles is forward Royce O’Neale, who is an unrestricted free agent and could be a fit for Golden State’s rotation. The Warriors may also express interest in Nassir Little, a young wing with potential, or even center Drew Eubanks, depending on what direction they choose to go.

But there are financial and logistical hurdles to clear. Because both teams are operating near or above the luxury tax threshold, a sign-and-trade would require precision — matching salaries, timing the deal correctly, and abiding by the NBA’s complex new collective bargaining rules. Moreover, the Suns don’t have a surplus of movable mid-tier salaries, which makes executing any deal without a third team potentially difficult.

Still, the reported interest underscores Phoenix’s intent to shake things up. Since assembling their superstar trio, the Suns have struggled to find cohesion. Injuries, lack of depth, and defensive inconsistencies plagued the team last season, despite a roster packed with offensive firepower. Bringing in Kuminga could not only give them a defensive-minded starter or sixth man, but also a future cornerstone to build around as their veteran core ages out.

From Golden State’s perspective, it’s a complicated calculus. Trading Kuminga would mean giving up on a homegrown talent who’s finally starting to blossom. But it might also be the best time to sell high. With his rising value and the team’s desire to stay competitive while managing its books, the Warriors could be looking at multiple avenues — whether it’s acquiring veteran help to support Steph Curry or flipping Kuminga for future draft capital.

Another layer to consider is the dynamic between the Suns and Warriors. These two franchises have not historically been trade partners, and both have been playoff competitors over the past several years. There’s also the question of how Kuminga fits into a Phoenix system that already features scorers like Durant and Booker. Would he have the ball enough to develop? Or would he primarily be asked to defend and cut, relegated to a supporting role once again?

Some league insiders believe that if Kuminga were to land in Phoenix, the Suns might look to restructure their core — potentially shopping Durant or Beal in the future if the right opportunity arises. That would be a bold move, but not entirely far-fetched. Durant will turn 37 next season, and while still playing at a high level, his future with the franchise isn’t guaranteed. Beal, for his part, has battled injuries and has a massive contract that limits Phoenix’s flexibility. In this context, bringing in Kuminga could be both a win-now and long-term maneuver — hedging their bets while remaining competitive.

On the other hand, the Warriors’ willingness to move Kuminga might hinge on how they value their other young pieces, such as Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis, or even Moses Moody. With new front office leadership under Mike Dunleavy Jr. and longtime coach Steve Kerr still at the helm, Golden State must weigh whether to reload with proven veterans or let their youth movement flourish — even if it means a couple more years of retooling.

It’s also worth noting that this report comes amid a flurry of offseason rumors involving both teams. The Warriors have been linked to veterans like DeMar DeRozan (before he signed with the Kings) and Kyle Kuzma, while the Suns have reportedly made inquiries about improving their frontcourt depth and rim protection. Kuminga’s name has floated in conversations with other teams too — including the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks — but Phoenix appears to be one of the most serious suitors as of now.

If a deal does materialize, expect it to take time. Sign-and-trade negotiations often drag into late July or even August, as teams wait for free agency dominoes to fall. But the fact that Phoenix is this interested in Kuminga is a clear sign of their desperation to tweak the formula after yet another underwhelming playoff showing. They are no longer content to just run it back. They want youth, energy, and a new identity — and Kuminga could be the key.

For now, this is just smoke. But where there’s smoke, there’s often fire in the NBA offseason — especially when aggressive executives like James Jones and Mike Dunleavy Jr. are involved.

Stay tuned.