Phoenix Suns Interested in Golden State Warriors Restricted Free Agent Jonathan Kuminga
The Phoenix Suns are interested in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Kuminga is a restricted free agent.
“Sources say Phoenix, meanwhile, is the latest team to express exploratory interest in a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade … challenging as it would be for the Suns to make such a deal happen,” Fischer wrote. “Fresh off completing a buyout of Bradley Beal this week, enabling the Suns to waive-and-stretch the hefty contract possessed by the three-time NBA All-Star guard, they have contacted both Kuminga’s representation and the Warriors to make their fondness for the bouncy swingman known.”
Kuminga has a few options as a restricted free agent. He can re-sign with the Warriors on a new deal, play on his qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next offseason or sign an offer sheet with a rival team.
If Kuminga signs an offer sheet with another team, the Warriors can either match the offer or execute a sign-and-trade deal.
“Kuminga’s holding pattern has generated the most media attention to date,” Fischer wrote. “His agent Aaron Turner has held numerous discussions with Warriors officials in Las Vegas, league sources tell The Stein Line, with the hope of securing a contract — even a short-term contract — that pays at least $25 million in average annual salary … whether that’s to stay with the Warriors or switch teams via sign-and-trade.
“Sources say that the Warriors have expressed reluctance to go that high in price over a long-term agreement while also seeking some level of first-round draft compensation in any theoretical trade that ships Kuminga elsewhere.”
Kuminga wants to be an All-Star. He may not have that opportunity with the Warriors, who have Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Kuminga played in 47 games last season. The forward averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.5% from beyond the arc and 66.8% from the free-throw line.
Kuminga has spent his entire NBA career with the Warriors. He has career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
It will be interesting to see where Kuminga, who turns 23 in October, is playing next season.
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