The Phoenix Suns are one of the most intriguing teams to monitor ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. To this point, the hottest rumor is them potentially landing Jimmy Butler. However, on the flip side, recent reports have suggested that the Golden State Warriors are attempting to bring Kevin Durant back via a trade with Phoenix. It seems unlikely that this deal will go through, but the Warriors do have someone the Suns may have interest in.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Suns have interest in fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga.
“The Suns, mind you, are expected to maintain a very high asking price before they ever agreed to part ways with him. We’re talking serious draft capital and highly rated young talent. The Suns do have a level of interest in Jonathan Kuminga, sources said.”
Phoenix Suns ‘Have a Level of Interest’ in Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors Are ‘Reluctant’ to Trade Jonathan Kuminga
Phoenix may have interest in him, but Kuminga might not be a realistic target for them. In January, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Warriors are “reluctant to part with” Kuminga. This is despite the fact that Kuminga has been out of action since early January due to an ankle injury.
“Amid Golden State’s trade market inquiries, prized young forward Jonathan Kuminga – who’s out with a sprained right ankle and eligible for restricted free agency this summer – remains a player Golden State is reluctant to part with, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Before his injury, Kuminga was in the midst of a career year. Through 32 games, he is averaging 16.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. He also recorded back-to-back 34-point games in late December just before his injury.
Kuminga is unlikely to return for at least another week. However, even in his absence, the Warriors seemingly hold him in high regard.
The Last Word On Jonathan Kuminga and the Phoenix Suns
The Warriors are reportedly eager to make a trade ahead of the deadline and are “calling about every All-Star player,” according to Shams Charania.
“The Warriors are legitimately calling about every All-Star player. Just name the All-Star player. … LeBron, players like Kevin Durant, players like Jimmy Butler.”@ShamsCharania says the Warriors are dead set on adding an All-Star to pair with Steph
pic.twitter.com/6p1zslQdo7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 3, 2025
In order to make a big trade, the Warriors must give up something in order to get something. As it stands, it seems likely that Kuminga is the most-touted trade target on the Warriors. The Warriors have until Thursday to firmly make their decision. However, there are reasons for the team to make a trade at the deadline. They are currently 24-24 and own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. Despite Stephen Curry‘s All-Star season, the Warriors are not guaranteed a playoff spot. In order for them to maximize their championship window, an in-season trade could make sense for them. If that means they have to move on from Kuminga, then this might be a sacrifice the Warriors need to make.
As for the Suns, they are 25-23 and own the No. 8 seed in the West. Like Golden State, a trade this week could make sense for them.
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