The Chicago Bulls continue remaking their roster ahead of what they feel is a transition season. That means acquiring players who can be part of their long-term future. Josh Giddey was the first step in that process. Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue have since joined in. Still, it feels like the team needs at least one more proven veteran to give them some credibility. That is why they seem to be sniffing around Jonathan Kuminga, the restricted free agent of the Golden State Warriors.
Most agree that the 26-year-old played some of his best basketball in the playoffs this past season. His versatility on offense and defense made him a problem against Minnesota. On almost any team, he would be a starter. The problem is he shares a locker room with Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, who play the forward positions. If he wants to start, he has to go somewhere else. According to The Athletic, no progress is being made on a qualifying offer to stay. That means a sign-and-trade is becoming more possible, and the Bulls are at the front of the line.
Despite a few conversations between the two sides, the Golden State Warriors have generated no real traction toward a deal with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga in recent days and, as anticipated, he is expected to explore the market when it opens at 3 p.m. PT on Monday afternoon, league sources told The Athletic. The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls remain the two likeliest outside suitors, league sources said.
Jonathan Kuminga is a worthwhile risk for the Bulls.
There have been many cases of a young player having a great run as a bench guy on a winning team who leaves to become a productive starter. James Harden is an obvious example. John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, and Michael Cooper are others. Jonathan Kuminga averaged 22.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per 36 minutes last season. That was on par with what the Bulls got from Zach LaVine most of his time in Chicago. Kuminga is a better defender and rebounder, too. This is one of those moves that makes too much sense, even if it might be risky. Much of it depends on how much money Kuminga wants. One can safely assume it will be a lot. Projections have it around $100-120 million over four years.
