The Phoenix Suns are among the teams interested in pursuing Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent. However, the franchise reportedly doesn’t have the requisite draft capital to pull off a deal.
Fadeaway World proposed a trade that would see the Warriors secure at least one first-round pick swap, in addition to three rotational players.
Warriors would receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards, 2027 first-round pick (WAS swap)
Suns would receive: Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade)
The trade, while not a home run haul for Golden State, will satisfy a significant requirement in any Kuminga trade: a first-round draft asset. It was previously reported by insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein that the Warriors are unwilling to engage in any sign-and-trade deals for Kuminga unless they receive a first-rounder.
Allen, A Good Fit in Golden State?
“The additions of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale would be huge for Golden State’s wing depth,” read the article.
“Both Allen and O’Neale are terrific three-and-D players. Last season, Allen averaged 10.6 points and 3.2 rebounds on shooting splits of 44.8% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range. Allen’s efficiency as a perimeter shooter would make him a natural fit with the Dubs, and his defensive intensity would give their bench rotation a much-needed boost. O’Neale brings a skill set similar to Allen’s. With an average of 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds last season, the forward shot 42.3% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc.”
To the writer’s point, Allen drained 205 threes at a mindblowing clip of 46.1% in the 2023-24 season, establishing himself as one of the NBA’s best shooters. Although he had a down year in 2024-25, it was mostly due to the dysfunction within the Suns.
Warriors, Kuminga at Impasse
As for Richards, he will fill the most pressing need for the Warriors: a rim protector. Last season, the 7-footer averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks from just 22.7 minutes on the court. His athleticism and rim-running ability will surely help a Warriors team that plays its best while running up and down the court.
“Given his limited perimeter shooting, he could be an ideal replacement for Kevon Looney, who joined the Pelicans as a free agent this offseason,” read the article.
“Richards’ addition could be key to improving Golden State’s rebounding efforts. With a legitimate seven-footer on their team who can crash the glass, the Dubs may see a lot of value in this acquisition.”
The Warriors are reportedly desperate to find Kuminga a new home before the 2025-26 season, but the two sides are at an impasse. According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole, Kuminga has no intention to return to Golden State, but the franchise is unwilling to settle for an underwhelming return.
“The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga’s representation are sharing a cell in Restricted Free Agent jail,” Poole wrote on July 23.
“Conversation is sparse, according to league sources. Not knowing when they can begin the remodel they hope will allow them to compete in the NBA’s wicked Western Conference.”
Besides Suns, the Nets, Bulls and Heat have reportedly expressed interest in Kuminga.
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