After the Phoenix Suns moved on from Bradley Beal, they set their sights on a clear free-agent market. They wanted Jonathan Kuminga.
The Stein Line hinted at their desired pursuit. Jake Fischer mentioned that the inquiries had been made and the interest was well known. Now, there is a secondary source to confirm that.
Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic wrote, “The Suns have interest in Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, league sources confirmed to The Republic.”
The bad news is that Phoenix really is not in a position to help Kuminga move from California to Arizona. The same problem Fischer highlighted in his report was one that Rankin doubled down on.
“[The Suns] are unlikely to land him because they lack the draft capital and assets to deliver in what would be a sign-and-trade for the Warriors,” Rankin reported.
Years of malpractice catching up to the Phoenix Suns
Going all in on a core of Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant has left the Suns in one of the least enviable spots in the entire NBA. Their asset pool has been left destroyed after committing to that trio.
Not having the capabilities to properly pursue a sign-and-trade for the likes of Kuminga is a prime example of that. The Warriors forward should not have an insurmountable asking price. However, the Suns have nowhere near what is necessary despite that.
What does this all mean? Well, the Suns are probably in for some rough years. Their return from the Durant trade was lackluster. They were forced to move on from Beal for nothing more than a bit of cap flexibility.
Phoenix is in a tough spot. One that will take some considerable time to recover from.
