NBA Mock Trade Idea Sends Jonathan Kuminga to Suns as Warriors Acquire Bold Contending Pieces

NBA Mock Trade Idea Sends Jonathan Kuminga to Suns as Warriors Acquire Bold Contending Pieces originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Golden State Warriors are the only team in the NBA who haven't made any additions to their roster so far in the 2025 offseason. Despite departures such as Kevon Looney and the free agency of players like Gary Payton II, the Warriors haven't made any moves to build their roster around Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Another key free agent for the Warriors is Jonathan Kuminga, as the 22-year-old forward has yet to agree on a new contract. With uncertainty around his future with the Warriors, teams like the Phoenix Suns have emerged as potential suitors for the disgruntled forward.

The Suns could use Kuminga as a starting wing with room to grow alongside Devin Booker and Jalen Green. With Phoenix not having the cap space to sign Kuminga, getting the Warriors to agree on a sign-and-trade, which helps both teams, might be perfect.

Here's what a mock trade package could look like between the franchises.

Phoenix Suns Receive: Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: Royce O'Neale, Nick Richards, 2026 Second-Round Pick (OKC/DAL/PHI), 2029 Second-Round Pick (PHX)

Jonathan Kuminga Helps The Suns Continue Their Roster Makeover

Kuminga is coming into the 2025-26 season having averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He was the Warriors' second-leading scorer for most of the season until Jimmy Butler's arrival in February.

Unfortunately, Kuminga fell short of the mark as the second option behind Curry, prompting the Warriors to acquire Butler and hand Kuminga DNPs down the stretch of last season.

Despite his troubles with the Warriors system last season, his high-upside talent is clearly visible. He's an improving shooter with a varied offensive game, alongside flashes of high defensive utility.

He might not get the on-ball reps he wants in Phoenix next to Booker and Green, but he could be the perfect complementary wing to the high-scoring backcourt duo. If he continues to improve, he could have a star-like role in Phoenix in the future and help the franchise return to Playoff contention.

The Warriors Land Two Win-Now Players For One Disgruntled Starter

With the DNPs Kuminga received when Butler was healthy, it's fair to say that a long-term partnership between both players won't be materializing. Kuminga is the odd-man out and the Warriors have to maximize the former No. 5 overall pick by trading him for win-now pieces while he still has value.

Royce O'Neale is a respected veteran who averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He knows his role and might function better than Kuminga as a low-maintenance 3-and-D forward playing off Curry and Butler. Nick Richards helps soften the blow of Looney's departure, averaging 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks last season.

The added depth makes the roster more well-rounded. A defensive player like Richards might be a better solution to the team's frontcourt issues than the 39-year-old Al Horford, while O'Neale has always impressed with win-now teams where he has a defined role.

Rivals Agreeing On A Mutually-Beneficial Deal

Looking at this from both franchises, it seems like a solid deal. The Suns get a complementary wing player with high potential, while the Warriors get the win-now veterans they need to push for a title.

O'Neale ($10,125,000) and Richards ($5,000,000) are owed $15.125 million in salary next season, which likely would be the number the Suns sign Kuminga to after the sign-and-trade goes through.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.