Since 1966, the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors have completed 12 trades with one another. Their inaugural deal sent Guy Rodgers to Chicago, while their most recent, in 2017, involved Jordan Bell going to Golden State for cash considerations.
Yet in an alternate reality, that number might be higher. Just two years ago, the Warriors were reportedly intent on prying Alex Caruso from Chicago, even dangling multiple first-round picks and promising wing Jonathan Kuminga for the two-time All-Defensive standout. But the deal never materialized, and the Bulls eventually sent Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey.
This past season, the Warriors explored a deal for Nikola Vucevic to bolster their thin center rotation and add perimeter shooting. The Bulls, however, held firm in seeking a first-round pick in return, which ultimately deterred Golden State from moving forward.
Talk of Jonathan Kuminga joining the Bulls continues
Fast forward to the latter part of the offseason, and here we are again. While no trade is currently in motion, Kuminga—long linked to the Bulls—remains a potential flight risk as his restricted free agency situation looms, with Chicago reportedly his preferred destination.
NBA insider Jake Fischer has frequently linked Kuminga to the Bulls this offseason. Months ago, he reported that Kuminga’s camp was pursuing a sign-and-trade to Chicago. More recently, as training camp looms, Fischer noted that Kuminga could accept his one-year qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent next offseason—and positioning him to sign the long-term deal he reportedly wants, which the Bulls could provide.
Chicago is set to enter next offseason with heaps of salary-cap space, making the franchise an attractive destination for free agents chasing a big payday. But before then, there’s a scenario in which the Bulls could acquire Kuminga via trade, which would also secure his Bird rights. This scenario would go a long way in aiding the Bulls’ pursuit of another big fish come next summer.
Ultimately, it comes down to the Warriors. Golden State has been firm on receiving a sizable return for the 22-year-old forward—and rightfully so. Kuminga is an ideal NBA prototype: an athletic 6-foot-7 wing who’s averaged over 15 points per game in each of the past two seasons.
Nonetheless, Kuminga has his flaws. Despite being one of the NBA’s top athletes, he shot just 45.4 percent from the floor last season. His 53.5 true shooting percentage ranked 175th out of 204 qualifiers. He’s also never stood out as a rebounder or passer, averaging just 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists for his career. Perhaps most tellingly, Steve Kerr frequently sits Kuminga whenever possible.
Kuminga would be a perfect fit for the Bulls
Despite his shortcomings, Kuminga fits in Chicago. The Bulls boast one of the league’s better shooting rosters, easing the pressure on him to score efficiently. Additionally, Chicago plays at one of the fastest paces in the NBA, maximizing the 22-year-old forward’s athletic strengths.
Furthermore, Kuminga’s strengths would complement the Bulls. Chicago ranked second-to-last in the league in free-throw rate at 21.4 percent, whereas Kuminga’s 41.4 percent rate was tied for 11th-best in the NBA.
Chicago also recorded just 277 dunks last season, the fewest in the league by a wide margin. By comparison, Kuminga notched 48 dunks in 47 games. A season ago, he threw down 138 dunks over 74 games, ranking 12th in the NBA and the highest among small forwards.
The Bulls complement Kuminga well and vice versa. That said, two notable concerns remain. Chicago has added several forwards over the past year, lessening the immediate need for Kuminga. Additionally, the former G-League Ignite star’s time in Golden State has been rocky, as he’s been openly vocal about his frustrations.
Still, Kuminga remains an intriguing player. If he signs the qualifying offer and signals he won’t re-sign, Chicago could swoop in and acquire the two-way wing from the Warriors at a discount, whether midseason, potentially in a deal finally involving Vucevic, or next offseason via a sign-and-trade.
