Jonathan Kuminga sure does feel like the one that got away for the Phoenix Suns. Although they've started the season hot and continue to win games against supposedly better opponents, the 23-year-old could have formed part of an even brighter future in The Valley.
Kuminga's injury issues make trading for him difficult.
The athletic forward is about to miss his sixth straight game for the Golden State Warriors, and as you can see from the video below, the update from head coach Steve Kerr is far from a positive one.
The knee issue that has been at the root of these problems was initially not thought to be serious, but that picture is quickly changing.
Dycus: Coach Kerr provides an update on Jonathan Kuminga: “He’s not moving well … I don’t know when he’s going to play.” pic.twitter.com/MQ2L40yuUZ
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) November 23, 2025
If Kuminga is out for any great length of time, then the Suns should kiss goodbye to trading for him. There was talk over the offseason of Phoenix being interested, they just did not have the package to get a deal done.
That could have changed however, with Grayson Allen continuing to have a career year, raising his trade value in the process.
Although the asking price for Kuminga could drop depending on how serious this injury is, which could interest the Suns, the best course of action is to remain as they are.
They already have a key starter in Jalen Green out until around Christmas at the earliest, and don't need any more of their best players spending more time in street clothes than in uniform.
Taking a longer-term outlook, and the Suns also shouldn't want to bring on guys who might spend more time on the treatment table than anywhere else.
Prior to missing so much time with a hamstring issue Green hadn't missed a game in two seasons including the playoffs. while the organization took a risk on center Mark Williams this offseason.
Right now that is paying off, and the team has head coach Jordan Ott to thank for that. But a trade for Kuminga at this point just doesn't feel right, while culturally it has to work as well.
The Suns have quickly established an identity and clearly enjoy playing for one another. You need only look at backup point guard Collin Gillespie trying to lock Minnesota Timberwolves' big man Rudy Gobert, with Ryan Dunn straight over to back him up when it got heated, as proof of that.
Kuminga has plenty of talent and upside, but his rocky relationship with the Warriors has to be taken into consideration as well. Best to stay away for now, and see what Kuminga looks like once healthy.