NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Suns, De’Andre Hunter to Warriors

This is the kind of multi-team idea that pops up when everyone involved is trying to solve a different problem.

NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report floated a three-team framework that would send Jonathan Kuminga out of Golden State, land De’Andre Hunter with the Warriors, and theoretically give the Cavaliers some wing help.

The proposed deal:

Warriors receive

• De’Andre Hunter

Suns receive

• Jonathan Kuminga
• Trayce Jackson-Davis

Cavs receive

• Royce O’Neale
• Ryan Dunn
• Nick Richards

No draft picks involved. That alone makes it interesting.

For Golden State, this would effectively end the Kuminga saga. Kuminga has asked out, has fallen out of the rotation at times, and he reportedly believes his development has stalled under coach Steve Kerr.

Turning that situation into Hunter gives the Warriors a plug-and-play wing who defends, shoots, and fits the system without drama. It also keeps Golden State’s future first-round picks intact for a bigger swing later.

Phoenix would be betting on upside. Kuminga is still just 23, on a two-year, $48.5 million deal with a team option in Year 2. He brings athleticism the Suns lack and gives them a longer-term piece alongside their stars. Jackson-Davis adds a young big who can run the floor and defend.

Swartz contends the Cavs quietly benefit too. Royce O’Neale gives them a reliable, playoff-caliber wing who can defend multiple spots and knock down open threes. That has been a recurring need. Dunn and Richards provide depth without costing future assets.

Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in limited action this season. The talent is obvious. The fit has not been.

With the February 5 deadline approaching, ideas like this are just might be what teams are sketching out behind the scenes.