With the NBA trade deadline inching closer, the Phoenix Suns have emerged as a team to watch - and not just because they’re in the playoff hunt. Despite a season marked by transition and recalibration, the Suns are reportedly exploring the trade market, and an intriguing opportunity may have just landed in their lap.
Jonathan Kuminga wants out of Golden State. And he wants out now.
According to reports, the 23-year-old forward has formally requested a trade from the Warriors and is eligible to be moved starting Thursday. That’s a significant development, not just for Golden State, but for teams like Phoenix - who may be looking to add youth, athleticism, and upside without sacrificing core pieces or future flexibility.
Kuminga, a former lottery pick, was once seen as a key part of Golden State’s post-dynasty future. But this season, he’s found himself stuck on the bench, logging multiple DNP-CDs (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision) in a rotation that’s struggled to find consistency.
The Warriors are in a tough spot - they need a spark, yet haven’t leaned on Kuminga to provide it. Now, with his trade request public, the leverage has shifted.
And that’s where the Suns come in.
Phoenix was reportedly involved in trade discussions for Kuminga as far back as this past summer, with a package that included Grayson Allen, another player, and multiple second-round picks. That deal never materialized, but the landscape has changed. With Kuminga’s value lower than ever and Golden State motivated to move him quickly, the Suns could revisit those talks with a much lighter price tag.
It’s worth noting how Phoenix has managed its own assets. Both Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale have seen their trade value rebound thanks to smart usage and clear roles under interim head coach Jordan Ott. That’s not just good asset management - it’s a sign of a franchise that knows how to showcase its players and keep options open.
Kuminga, for all his inconsistencies, still offers something that’s hard to find on the trade market: youth, athleticism, and untapped potential. He’s a 6’8” forward with defensive tools and explosive finishing ability - the kind of physical profile that could thrive alongside the Suns’ core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. The question, of course, is whether he has the motor and mentality to mesh with Ott’s expectations and the high-stakes environment in Phoenix.
But when you look at the broader trade landscape, the timing makes sense. Trae Young - a two-time All-Star and former franchise centerpiece - was just moved for a pair of expiring contracts.
The Ja Morant situation in Memphis is still unfolding, and whatever deal eventually gets made there likely won’t come close to the value he once commanded. And then there’s Anthony Davis, whose future in Los Angeles is always a topic of speculation, but no move appears imminent.
In other words, while much of the league is waiting on a blockbuster, the Suns have a window to make a savvy, low-risk move for a high-upside player who just needs a fresh start.
For Phoenix, this isn’t just about adding talent - it’s about accelerating the retooling process around Booker. The Suns were expected to take a step back this season, but they’ve stayed competitive and shown they’re not interested in a drawn-out rebuild. A move for Kuminga would reinforce that message: they’re building for now and the future.
There’s no guarantee Kuminga becomes a star in the desert. But if the price is right - and all signs suggest it is - this could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays off big.