Warriors trade idea ships Jonathan Kuminga to Western Conference rival for players and picks

The Golden State Warriors are the only NBA team yet to acquire a player this offseason, and that is, in most part, due to Jonathan Kuminga.

The 22-year-old forward has been in the midst of a prolonged restricted free agency, and it appears Golden State and Kuminga's representatives have been unable to come to a consensus on a long-term contract extension that satisfies both sides.

To avoid losing him for nothing, the Warriors should be proactive and try to use Kuminga as a trade piece to better their roster ahead of a pivotal 2025-26 season.

Warriors Trade Idea Sends Jonathan Kuminga to the Suns

In a trade idea proposed by Christopher Kline of Fansided, the Warriors would ship Kuminga to the Phoenix Suns.

Golden State Warriors: Dillon Brooks, Nick Richards, PHX 2026 first-round pick

Phoenix Suns receive: Jonathan Kuminga

"The two teams most credibly connected to Kuminga trade talks so far are the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, which should probably inform your opinion on Kuminga as a player. Not exactly the most functional front offices in the NBA," wrote Kline.

"That said, the Suns are looking to re-spark the offense after the Kevin Durant trade. Kicking the tires on Kuminga, still 22, at least gestures at an attempt to build a more sustainable core around Devin Booker."

While Phoenix looks to retool and rebuild around Devin Booker, the Warriors can take advantage of the Suns' obvious goal of getting younger and more athletic.

While Dillon Brooks may be a bit redundant on Golden State, considering Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green play the "enforcer" role well, he would still be a solid addition to the Warriors' bench unit and give them an edge when their starters are off the floor.

Nick Richards is a solid rim protector, and became expendable when the Suns acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. He can start in place of Green on nights when Golden State needs more size at the five.

Overall, this would be a solid return for Golden State. Along with a future first-round pick, they set themselves up nicely with improved depth ahead of the 2025-26 season.