A deal between Chicago and the Golden State Warriors involving Jonathan Kuminga seemed dead in the water, but a piece of interesting news may have just tossed any potential trade a lifeline: The 22-year-old forward desires a move to the Bulls.
There’s a massive roadblock to any Kuminga sign-and-trade, and that’s the Bulls’ own restricted free agent, Josh Giddey. A new long-term contract for Giddey takes precedence, and that’s still being hammered out and expected to come to fruition at some point this summer. But it doesn’t 100 percent rule out a move for Kuminga.
The strong, athletic combo forward — who was picked one spot after Giddey in the 2021 draft — would fit well on a Bulls team that’s now clearly prioritizing players of that archetype. Apparently, he and his camp agree. Or at least agreed.
Jonathan Kuminga hoped for a trade to the Chicago Bulls
Insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line Substack that Kuminga and the Warriors are still far apart on a deal. (Even more far apart than Chicago and Giddey are.) Fischer also revealed that the former G League Ignite star was “hopeful” for a sign-and-trade deal to Chicago. Kuminga would get the increased offensive role he craves while, presumably, the cash he wants too.
According to Bleacher Report’s main NBA guru, the Phoenix Suns are now in talks with Golden State about finding a way to possibly acquire Kuminga after Bradley Beal’s release. Fischer notes that even that transaction would be “challenging” for the Suns and Warriors to work out. It seems like a parting of the ways between Kuminga and Golden State is becoming less an
The Bulls are, understandably, primarily locked in on re-signing Giddey. The 6-foot-8 point guard, also just 22, had a breakout season in Chicago last year, which included a dramatic uptick in his three-point shooting. The Aussie is an ideal fit for head coach Billy Donovan’s transition-based offense and seemingly has another leap to make, considering last year’s improvement and his age.
That would likely take any trade for Kuminga off the table, but the NBA has been filled with surprises this offseason, and no deal in The League is ever dead until time of death is officially called.
