The Phoenix Suns made an offer to the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, but it wasn't enough for Golden State to send the forward to the desert in a sign-and-trade deal. The Warriors want a first-round pick, which the Suns can't offer.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that Phoenix made the most "lucrative push" for the 22-year-old. The Suns offered Kuminga almost $70 million more in guaranteed money than the Warriors' two-year, $45 million offer. Kuminga turned Golden State down.
ESPN added that Kuminga prefers the "longer-term offers" from the Suns and Kings for many reasons. He'd get a much-needed fresh start and have the increased role he wants. He'd get the playing time he wants in the Valley, allowing him to potentially develop into the All-Star he thinks he can be. He wants the opportunity to see what kind of player he can be without being on a short leash.
It doesn't look like Kuminga is going to join a new team this summer (Golden State wants to end sign-and-trade talks), but if he signs a short-term deal with the Warriors, he'd become a trade candidate before next year's deadline.
Kuminga could get the fresh start he wants with the Suns
He won't have the chance to up his value if he stays with the Warriors because Steve Kerr isn't going to magically give Kuminga consistent rotation minutes. The Suns could capitalize on that opportunity next season by trading for Kuminga. His value isn't going to increase, which would play in Phoenix's favor.
The Suns don't have control over their draft picks until 2032. Part of their offseason reset involved adding young players to the mix, such as acquiring Jalen Green in the Kevin Durant trade and selecting Khaman Maluach in the draft. Adding Kuminga to the mix and giving him the freedom to develop could pay off in Phoenix's favor.
It's unfortunate for Kuminga that he may have to spend the first part of the season with a team he no longer wants to play for. He could screw the Warriors by accepting the $7.9 million qualifying offer, resulting in a non-tradable contract. Kuminga would become an unrestricted free agent next summer if that happened.
Kuminga's situation is one worth monitoring for Suns fans. It doesn't seem like there is an end in sight, but a resolution will be made before the season, although Kuminga might not like it.