The Phoenix Suns appear to be one of the frontrunners to sign restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. That doesn't necessarily mean that a deal will be struck, but the polarizing scorer is being linked to Phoenix in a growing list of ways as free agency progresses.
For as intriguing as the developments may be, there's a crucial piece of context that the Suns must keep in mind: Kuminga will effectively be a fifth-year patience project.
Kuminga can provide far more immediate value than the type of player who's typically slapped with the project label. Over the past two seasons, he's compiled averages of 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 0.8 three-point field goals made in just 25.6 minutes per game.
Those figures translate to impressive marks of 22.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.2 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
The reason patience will be essential, however, is that Kuminga has never consistently been allowed to play his game with the Warriors. Veterans have been the priority, and Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has gone as far as to publicly state that he doesn't believe Kuminga can play big minutes alongside Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green.
As such, for as intriguing as Kuminga's instant value may be, the Suns must approach potentially signing him with the knowledge that it will take time for him to find his identity as a player.
Jonathan Kuminga wants a featured role—and would need time to adapt
There's ample reason to be intrigued by the offensive potential of a trio of Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Kuminga. The logistics of a sign-and-trade would need to be worked out, but all three of those players have proven capable of putting up 20-plus points in a heartbeat.
There are fair questions about how the team would perform on the defensive end of the floor, but the upside is clear enough to understand potential interest.
The unfortunate reality of Kuminga's career, however, is that he's never been positioned to play his game without the burden of limited minutes or a role that asks him to play a style that's inconsistent with his strengths. There's something to be said, of course, for adapting—or failing to—under such pressure.
With a 22-year-old whose coach has effectively condemned him to a when-necessary role, however, it's difficult to fathom how he was meant to realize his potential with the Warriors.
In Phoenix, Kuminga would have far fewer restrictions in regard to creating his offense and learning by fire. Booker and Green have play styles that can be adapted to their teammates' strengths and weaknesses, with both already showing they're comfortable operating in a balanced offensive system.
As such, the Suns are right to be interested in adding Kuminga and exploring just how high his ceiling truly is.
The coaching staff and front office must simply remember that it's taken four years for Kuminga to get to a point where he'd be playing regular minutes. He's been benched for the simple reason that his game conflicts with that of a player who's higher on the depth chart, even if his talent hasn't impeded him.
There's undeniable risk involved in potentially acquiring Kuminga, but if the Suns are willing to remain patient with his development, it could prove worth it in the end.