Even though it's the slow part of the NBA offseason, the Phoenix Suns are still in the news, thanks to their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga. The forward and the Warriors have yet to agree on a resolution, whether it be signing an extension or finding a sign-and-trade. Kuminga turned down a two-year, $45 million extension (with a team option in the second season). He wants to leave The Bay.
The Suns can offer Kuminga what he wants — a fresh start and an increased role. The problem is that Phoenix can't offer Golden State what it wants — a first-round pick.
Sacramento is the other team that showed interest in Kuminga, offering him the Warriors a protected first-round pick, but even that wasn't enough. Golden State wants an unprotected first-round pick, which is particularly interesting, considering the Warriors value him more in trade talks than they do in their rotation.
At this point, it seems like the only reason Golden State would consider a sign-and-trade with Phoenix is if the Warriors are worried Kuminga will pick up his $7.9 million qualifying offer. If that were the case, Golden State would most likely turn to Sacramento. The Kings can give the Warriors the best offer, while the Suns don't have a first-round pick to offer, not even a conditional one.
Suns don't have what the Warriors want in Kuminga sign-and-trade
Phoenix retooled its roster this offseason, trading Kevin Durant to Houston for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. The Suns also received the No. 10 pick in the draft in that deal, which turned into Khaman Maluach. He isn't ready to be an NBA starter, but that's why Phoenix traded for Mark Williams.
The Suns don't have the draft assets to kickstart a rebuild, but after waiving Bradley Beal, they created financial space.
Kuminga is a young, unproven player, so it makes sense, in that regard, why Phoenix wants to take a chance on him. If he turns into the All-Star-level player he thinks he can be with the Suns, great. If not, he can be a scoring option off the bench. It wouldn't be a move that sets the organization back.
However, no matter how much Phoenix may want Kuminga, and no matter how much he wants to leave San Francisco, the Warriors have the upper hand. Restricted free agency has done players absolutely zero favors this offseason.
This is a saga that will continue to drag out, as there is no end in sight. At least the Suns tried, right?