Jonathan Kuminga has been the subject of much speculation among Chicago Bulls fans for weeks. It is known that the organization had eyes for the young forward, hoping to bring him in via sign-and-trade to help revamp their lineup. However, circumstances haven't lined up as expected. The Bulls don't fully know their financial situation yet because they haven't re-signed Josh Giddey to a new deal. This has prevented them from making any other big moves. There is also the fact that Golden State stalled because they had hoped they might retain Kuminga at a more favorable price. That has not happened.
Most presumed the trade hopes died when the Bulls traded Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It not only gave them the athletic wing defender they wanted but also removed a player the Warriors were interested in. However, it appears things aren't dead yet. Insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Points provided an update. It appears Golden State still hopes a deal with the Bulls is possible. The idea is that it would center around one of their other point guards: Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu. Obviously, the goal is to get some proven depth behind Steph Curry.
At this stage, it sounds like Dosunmu is the name to watch.
Timing and price seem key for Jonathan Kuminga.
The longer the Giddey situation takes, the more difficult it will be for the Bulls to make anything happen on Jonathan Kuminga. There is no question he would be an immediate boost to their lineup. Chicago would finally have a proven replacement for Patrick Williams at power forward. With his athleticism and attacking mentality, he'd be a great complement to Matas Buzelis. His defensive prowess would be an obvious benefit as well.
The Bulls are $43 million under the first salary cap apron, so they should be able to afford Giddey's new deal. Kuminga would be another matter. If they want to pay him, too, they'd need to find the space. Trading Dosunmu only gives them an extra $7 million. In all likelihood, they would have to find somebody who can take Nikola Vucevic and his $21 million off the books.
