The NBA trade rumor mill is buzzing, and at the heart of it is Golden State Warriors’ restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. The 22-year-old forward, brimming with untapped potential, has caught the eye of two Western Conference contenders: the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings. However, despite their interest, neither team has managed to meet the Warriors’ steep asking price for a sign-and-trade deal, leaving Kuminga’s future in limbo.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors are holding firm, demanding a quality player and an unprotected first-round pick in exchange for Kuminga. While both the Suns and Kings are eager to offer Kuminga a larger role and a lucrative long-term contract, their trade proposals have fallen short of Golden State’s expectations. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel has now shed light on the Suns’ trade talks, revealing the players Phoenix is willing to part with—and, more importantly, the two franchise cornerstones they’re refusing to include.
The Suns, desperate to bolster their roster around Devin Booker and Jalen Green, have put forward two distinct trade packages for Kuminga. The first centers on guard Grayson Allen, who has three years remaining on his contract, including the 2025-26 season. The second package involves both forward Royce O’Neale and center Nick Richards. However, neither proposal has excited the Warriors, who are wary of taking on long-term salary commitments and have little interest in Richards.
Siegel’s sources confirm that Phoenix has not offered a “slew of second-round picks” as some speculated, with the Suns limited to offering at most three second-rounders this offseason. More notably, two players are firmly off the table: newly acquired wing Dillon Brooks and rookie standout Ryan Dunn.
The Suns’ refusal to include Brooks and Dunn in trade talks underscores their value to Phoenix’s long-term vision. Brooks, acquired from the Houston Rockets as part of the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade, is poised to anchor the Suns’ new defensive identity. His gritty, hard-nosed style is exactly what Phoenix needs to compete in the rugged Western Conference, making him an indispensable piece of their starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Dunn, a rookie who flashed tantalizing potential last season, is seen as a cornerstone of the Suns’ future. On a team-friendly rookie contract, Dunn projects as a versatile role player with the potential to develop into a two-way star. Suns insider John Gambadoro has also quashed rumors of Dunn’s involvement in trade talks, confirming that Phoenix has never considered including him in any Kuminga discussions.
Social media speculation about Dunn being a holdup in negotiations has been debunked, with sources emphasizing that the Suns’ stance on both Brooks and Dunn is unwavering. These two players are simply too valuable to sacrifice, even for a talent as promising as Kuminga.
At just 22, Kuminga represents a tantalizing opportunity for any team willing to invest in his growth. With his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive upside, he’s a player who could thrive in a bigger role. For the Suns, Kuminga would slot in beautifully alongside Booker and Green, adding a dynamic forward capable of unlocking his full potential in Phoenix’s high-octane offense.
However, the Warriors’ reluctance to accept Phoenix’s current offers suggests that Golden State still sees Kuminga as a key part of their future—or at least as a valuable trade chip to land a significant return. The Suns, meanwhile, are walking a tightrope, balancing their desire to acquire Kuminga with their commitment to preserving their core.
As the offseason progresses, the Kuminga saga remains one of the NBA’s most intriguing storylines. Will the Suns find a way to sweeten their offer without parting with Brooks or Dunn? Or will the Kings—or another dark-horse suitor—swoop in with a deal that meets Golden State’s demands? For now, Phoenix’s secret is out: Brooks and Dunn are the untouchable pillars of their roster, and Kuminga’s path to the Valley of the Sun is anything but certain.