Bakumanya went undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft as an international early entry candidate. In July 2016, he joined the Houston Rockets for the 2016 NBA Summer League. He appeared in two games for the Rockets, but failed to score. On September 25, 2016, he signed with the Phoenix Suns for training camp. He was later waived by the Suns on October 10. On October 31, he was acquired by the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of Phoenix. He made his debut for Northern Arizona on November 18, recording five points and five rebounds in 13 minutes of action in a 92–80 win over the Salt Lake City Stars.