The Phoenix Suns may have made some massive roster moves this offseason - but now that they are under both aprons - they have tried hard to add yet more young talent with upside to their roster. Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors being identified as a player they could possibly get with their underwhelming package of Nick Richards, Grayson Allen and four second round picks.
That didn't appear to interest the Warriors, although just how much subsequent dialogue has taken place between both parties is unknown. Then there is Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls, who the Suns are also rumored to have interest in. It doesn't look like they ever got down the road of a concrete offer - but with what they've got to give in these negotations - you can see why.
Kuminga for Giddey deal is nightmare outcome for Suns.
With the NBA about to hit the quietest stretch of the year, it was none other than Jake Fischer in jumping on a Bleacher Report podcast who brought to our attention the possibility of a sign-and-trade involving both Kuminga and Giddey. Horrible news for the Suns, as it had looked like they could try and steal one of them for under market value, even if they didn't have much to give up.
Hopping back on the @BR_NBA app at the top of the hour, talking all things Warriors/Kuminga, Bulls/Giddey, Hawks/Trae, Celtics and much more: https://t.co/ajjova3zeo
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 7, 2025
The potential trump card that Phoenix did have however - and which players and agents know throughout the league - is an owner in Mat Ishbia who would then sign them up to a contract both players appear unable to get with their current employers or elsewhere in the league. It was that same blank chequebook that had Jimmy Butler wanting to head to The Valley at the deadline last season.
That same approach may actually get the organization in trouble when it comes to offering center Mark Williams an extension on his rookie deal, but that's a conversation we've already had elsewhere. If you're the Suns' front office then you're also hoping that this is two players and their representatives who are now panicking, and drumming up fake interest involving both parties.
What better way for both Kuminga and Giddey to create a market for their services that doesn't currently exist by putting out the narrative that they could be traded for one another as part of a sign-and-trade? Even if that is the case and they don't swap teams ahead of next season, this does not have a happy ending for the Suns.
They can be easily outbid for both guys, and at this point the Warriors have appeared happy enough to sign Kuminga to a qualifying offer and take their chances heading into next season, rather than accept the Suns' offer. You have to imagine it is the same with Giddey - but now that both teams have realized they could just do a deal with each other - the Suns are well and truly out of contention.