Suns show exploratory interest in Jonathan Kuminga

The Suns have expressed exploratory interest in a sign-and-trade acquisition for Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports.

After buying out Bradley Beal and using the stretch provision to gain some cap flexibility, the Suns contacted both Kuminga’s representation and the Warriors regarding a potential transaction. However, the Suns — who dropped under the second tax apron via Beal’s buyout — still face major obstacles in pulling off a deal for Kuminga.

Golden State wants some level of first-round draft compensation in any Kuminga trade and the Suns are lacking in draft capital. There also doesn’t appear to be the type of players on the current Suns roster that would interest the Warriors front office. Phoenix’s interest in Kuminga stems back to the February trade deadline when the Warriors sought a potential trade for Kevin Durant.

It’s not out of the question that Kuminga could remain with Golden State but one side or the other would have to blink. Agent Aaron Turner has held numerous discussions with Warriors officials in Las Vegas this month trying to secure a contract that pays at least $25MM in average annual salary, even in the short term, according to Fischer. The Warriors have been reluctant to meet that price in a long-term agreement.

In terms of other possible destinations for Kuminga, the Kings have seemingly shown the most interest but Kuminga’s camp has also held out hope for a potential sign-and-trade with the Bulls. That scenario has yet to materialize, as Chicago has its own concerns about trying to re-sign restricted free agent and starting point guard Josh Giddey.