Jordan Ott, Suns
Getty
Jordan Ott coach of Phoenix Suns attends post-match conference.
The Phoenix Suns once viewed Jonathan Kuminga as a potential long-term building block.
That interest, however, has faded.
Kuminga returned to the lineup for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday after being a healthy scratch for three of the previous four games, but his performance did little to reignite enthusiasm from Phoenix or other suitors around the league. The 23-year-old forward scored just two points on 1-of-4 shooting in 10 minutes off the bench during Golden State’s 99–98 loss to Phoenix—ironically against the very team that once pursued him most aggressively.
Phoenix Suns No Longer Viewed as Key Trade Suitor
Jonathan Kuminga, Devin Booker, Suns
GettyJonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors defends against Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, league executives no longer view the Suns as a serious trade destination for Kuminga, despite extensive discussions last offseason.
“Jonathan Kuminga’s role has fluctuated once again with the Golden State Warriors, while his relationship with Steve Kerr has remained lukewarm,” Scotto reported. “As a result, Kuminga is considered one of the top trade candidates across the league once he becomes available to be traded on January 15th. However, the Phoenix Suns are not as interested now as during that time.”
Phoenix had explored several sign-and-trade constructions during the summer when Kuminga was a restricted free agent, but league sources told HoopsHype that the Suns have since pivoted away from that pursuit.
Suns Hot on Kuminga Trade Last Summer
The Suns’ decision appears rooted in both cost and fit.
Last July, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported that Phoenix and Sacramento presented the most aggressive offers for Kuminga—proposals approaching four years and $90 million, including a player option.
Phoenix’s offer would have provided nearly $70 million more in guaranteed money than the two-year, $48.5 million contract Kuminga ultimately accepted to remain with Golden State.
Still, the Warriors held firm. Slater previously reported that Golden State sought a young prospect plus a first-round pick in return—an unrealistic ask for Phoenix, which does not control its own first-round selections until 2031.
Suns Thriving as Warriors Struggle
The Suns’ restraint looks increasingly prudent.
After defeating Golden State, Phoenix improved to 15–12, positioning itself seventh in a crowded Western Conference and within striking distance of the top six. The Suns’ rotation stability and improved continuity have helped them outperform expectations early in the season.
Golden State, meanwhile, has moved in the opposite direction.
The Warriors dropped their third straight game despite the return of Stephen Curry from a quad injury. Even with Curry back, Golden State’s rotation uncertainty—and Kuminga’s inconsistent role—has raised questions about the team’s long-term direction.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Uncertain Role in Golden State
Kuminga’s return to the lineup was prompted by strong practice performances, according to coach Steve Kerr.
“You definitely want to see how guys respond in practice,” Kerr told reporters earlier this week. “JK has been great this last week as he’s been out of the rotation. He’s working really hard, and I’m going to reward that.”
But the on-court results have yet to follow.
With Kuminga’s role fluctuating and Phoenix no longer engaged, Golden State may find fewer leverage points when trade talks reopen league-wide on January 15.
For the Suns, the message is clear: what once looked like a potential future piece now appears, at best, a risk Phoenix was wise to avoid.