Phoenix Suns Offer Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, Four 2nd-Round Picks and 4-Year $90M Deal for Jonathan Kuminga
In a bold move to reshape their roster and bolster their championship hopes, the Phoenix Suns have reportedly made a trade offer to the Golden State Warriors centered around athletic forward Jonathan Kuminga. The proposed trade package includes veterans Royce O’Neale and Nick Richards, along with four second-round picks. In addition to the trade proposal, the Suns are also prepared to offer Kuminga a four-year, $90 million contract extension should the deal be accepted, indicating a long-term commitment to the 21-year-old forward.
The trade talks come amid a summer of uncertainty and strategic reconsideration for both franchises. The Warriors, who missed the playoffs last season, are facing a pivotal crossroads as their aging core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green enters the twilight of its era. While Jonathan Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance and undeniable athleticism, questions remain about his long-term fit with Golden State’s read-and-react system and win-now timeline. The Suns, on the other hand, are coming off a disappointing season that ended prematurely despite having a superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Phoenix’s front office appears determined to reshape its supporting cast around its star core, and acquiring Kuminga represents a bold investment in youth, athleticism, and two-way potential.
Kuminga, drafted 7th overall in 2021, has steadily improved in each of his three seasons with the Warriors. This past season, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting over 52% from the field. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and growing confidence as a scorer made him a standout performer in an otherwise turbulent Warriors campaign. Yet despite these strides, Kuminga reportedly grew frustrated with inconsistent minutes and a lack of a defined role, leading to speculation about his long-term future with the team. The Suns are clearly betting on Kuminga’s upside, viewing him as a potential star who can thrive in a more structured role with consistent playing time.
The inclusion of Royce O’Neale and Nick Richards in the deal provides the Warriors with immediate rotational depth and defensive versatility. O’Neale, a seasoned 3-and-D wing, has long been admired for his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down perimeter shots at a consistent clip. He averaged 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists last season while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. As a veteran who can slide into various lineups and fill minutes alongside stars or reserves, O’Neale would be a natural fit within Golden State’s positionless system.
Nick Richards, a 7-foot center with rim protection and rebounding skills, offers the Warriors something they’ve long lacked—a reliable big man with size and verticality. Richards averaged 9.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season with the Charlotte Hornets before being acquired by Phoenix. He brings a traditional interior presence that could complement Draymond Green’s cerebral defense and provide a much-needed option in matchups against bigger Western Conference teams.
Beyond the players involved, the four second-round picks in the offer add further intrigue. While second-rounders may not carry the prestige of first-round selections, the Warriors have historically been among the best in the league at finding value late in the draft. Draymond Green (35th overall), Eric Paschall (41st), and even Gary Payton II (undrafted, later developed) are examples of Golden State’s prowess in scouting and development. Accumulating additional picks could help the Warriors infuse their roster with cheap, young talent, an important consideration given their luxury tax burdens.
From the Suns’ perspective, the potential acquisition of Kuminga represents a calculated risk. The team has already committed significant financial resources to its big three and has limited flexibility under the new collective bargaining agreement. However, adding Kuminga would give them a dynamic two-way forward who could grow alongside Booker while shouldering defensive responsibilities that Durant and Beal may struggle to handle. Kuminga’s age and skill set align well with what Phoenix desperately needs—youthful legs, defensive energy, and transition offense. Offering him a four-year, $90 million deal indicates that the Suns view him not just as a short-term addition but a foundational piece of their future.
That said, the move does not come without its share of risks. Kuminga has yet to prove that he can be a consistent primary or secondary option on a contending team, and his shooting, though improved, still lags behind league averages. Committing $90 million over four years represents a significant bet on continued development, especially given Phoenix’s limited flexibility under the second apron. However, if Kuminga blossoms into a reliable starter or even an All-Star-caliber player, the contract could become a bargain.
For the Warriors, trading Kuminga could signal a shift in philosophy. After years of trying to thread the needle between contention and development, the front office may finally be leaning into maximizing Stephen Curry’s remaining prime years. By acquiring experienced role players and additional draft capital, Golden State could continue to build a more consistent and balanced rotation around its stars. Yet the decision to part ways with Kuminga, who was arguably their most promising young talent, would not be taken lightly. It would suggest a certain finality to the “two-timeline” experiment that has defined much of their post-2019 planning.
Fan reactions are likely to be mixed. Suns supporters may welcome the infusion of youth and energy, particularly if Kuminga thrives in a faster-paced, less restrictive system. There’s a natural excitement in acquiring a player who has already shown star potential and may just need a change of scenery to reach it. On the other side, Warriors fans may see this as a white flag on the next era of Golden State basketball—trading away a homegrown prospect for older, more replaceable pieces. It would also raise questions about the team’s long-term strategy, especially if they fail to make a deep playoff run in the coming seasons.
The trade offer also underscores a growing league-wide shift toward maximizing talent within financial constraints. Under the new CBA, second-apron penalties are significantly harsher, making it harder for teams like Phoenix and Golden State to hoard talent and exceed cap limits. Moving off a young player before his salary spikes or locking him in at a manageable rate could be critical to navigating these new realities. In that sense, the Suns may be attempting to get ahead of the curve—acquiring a rising player now, extending him before his price escalates further, and building a more sustainable model around their stars.
As trade discussions evolve, several factors could influence whether the deal ultimately materializes. Golden State may counter by asking for a first-round pick or additional assets. They may also gauge interest from other teams for Kuminga’s services, hoping to drive up the price. Meanwhile, the Suns will need to assess how much they’re willing to give up and whether Kuminga is the right long-term complement to their superstar trio. If they believe in his upside and can secure him without sacrificing key future pieces or first-round equity, it could be a franchise-altering gamble worth taking.
In the end, this potential trade is about more than just names and contracts—it’s about competing timelines, organizational identity, and the always-fragile pursuit of a championship window. For the Suns, it’s a chance to acquire a high-upside forward who can anchor their future while contributing immediately. For the Warriors, it may be an opportunity to retool their roster with complementary veterans and future picks while recommitting to their current stars. Whether this deal comes to fruition or simply serves as a catalyst for other moves, one thing is clear: both teams are unwilling to stand still, and the NBA’s trade market may just be heating up.
