Jonathan Kuminga rumors feel like a step backward for the Suns

Phoenix’s lack of assets might save them from a mistake.

The Phoenix Suns’ roster may be full on paper, but that doesn’t mean the story is over. With Jordan Goodwin’s contract still non-guaranteed and Jared Butler expected to compete with him for the final point guard spot, there remains an opening, not necessarily in position, but in possibility.

Though the buzz of free agency has largely quieted, one name continues to echo in the background: Jonathan Kuminga.

The 22-year-old forward has drawn interest from both the Suns and the Sacramento Kings, with speculation growing louder as Golden State drags its feet on a new deal. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors and Kuminga have yet to agree on terms, and he’s already declined multiple contract frameworks.

Per Charania:

Kuminga’s decision is due in large part to the Warriors’ insistence on having a team option for the second season and their unwillingness to let him maintain the built-in no-trade clause, sources said.”

His agent, Aaron Turner, presented the Warriors a few frameworks during a pair of summer league meetings in Las Vegas, including a three-year deal worth around $82 million that allowed the Warriors to stay below the second apron to use the taxpayer midlevel exception.

Kuminga and Turner have used July to explore their sign-and-trade options. The most significant negotiations have been with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, getting proposals up to four years approaching $90 million total, including a player option for the final season, sources said. Phoenix has made the most lucrative push via sign-and-trade.

Those last lines make me cringe a tad.

No deals have been made for sign and trade because there’s nothing that teams are offering that sparked the interest of the Warriors, including what the Suns could potentially offer. Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale on a three-year contract? No first round pick? The Suns don’t necessarily have the ammunition to make a trade for Kuminga.

I still find myself firmly in the “no thanks” camp when it comes to Jonathan Kuminga.

If you’re of the belief that the Suns have a legitimate hole at power forward, Kuminga doesn’t patch it. He lacks the physicality that someone like Ryan Dunn brings, and — perhaps surprisingly — he’s also a less reliable shooter from deep. Kuminga hit just 30.5% from three last season, which should raise some eyebrows.

Yes, he can put the ball on the floor, something this roster might desperately need. And sure, he’s more polished offensively than Dunn. But Dunn is the better defender. Dunn is smarter at the point of attack, more disruptive on the weak side, and a better rebounder to boot. Even in Summer League, we saw glimpses of Dunn being able to initiate offense, which bodes well for his trajectory.

Then there’s the price tag.

If you’ve followed my thoughts before, you know I always weigh talent against cost, and Kuminga’s rumored ask of $27.3 million is a dealbreaker. That’s franchise-player money for a player who hasn’t consistently proven he can be a franchise-level difference-maker. He’s still a prospect. And while potential is enticing, it shouldn’t come at a premium, especially when that premium buys uncertainty.

And let’s not gloss over the intangibles. Kuminga’s body language and effort have drawn questions. He tends to sulk when things don’t go his way, and while that might be part of growing up in the league, I’ve watched this franchise live through five years of banking on a temperamental top prospect. I don’t have much appetite for doing that dance again.

Now we’re hearing Kuminga wants a no-trade clause in his next contract? I know it wouldn’t be a part of the deal, but still. Maybe it’s just fatigue talking, but I’ve had my fill of players demanding the keys to the castle before proving they belong in it. If the Suns were to trade for Kuminga, part of the appeal would be flexibility; the option to flip him later for a pick or a piece that fits better. But if he’s holding all the leverage, what are we really acquiring? Potential wrapped in restrictions.

The Kuminga saga continues in Golden State, and honestly, that organization looks like it’s waiting for someone to toss them a parachute. Let’s just hope it’s not the Suns. And frankly, I don’t think it will be. Phoenix doesn’t have the assets Golden State would covet, and in this case, that might be a blessing. Not having draft capital could be the very thing that saves the Suns from making a mistake.

Because acquiring Kuminga? It feels like a move that cuts against the current of this offseason.

The Suns have clearly been intentional with their roster construction. They’ve targeted players who bring grit, toughness, and a team-first mentality. I haven’t seen any indication that Kuminga checks those boxes. The idea that Phoenix is even linked to him is puzzling. Maybe it’s the allure of untapped upside, but if the price doesn’t match the production, and the attitude doesn’t align with the culture, what are we really doing?

This team is trying to build something solid, not chase ghosts of potential. For once, the Suns seem to be speaking clearly with their actions. Let’s hope they stay on message.

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