The Chicago Bulls seem focused on working out an extension with Josh Giddey. Unfortunately, the point guard seems to have dug his heels in despite minimal negotiating leverage. The two sides haven't made any progress on a deal. While that goes on, some wonder if Arturas Karnisovas might try for another move to give his team some extra firepower. That is where Jonathan Kuminga comes in. The Bulls have been connected to the young forward for weeks as he remains an unrestricted free agent.
Many believe the Golden State Warriors can't really afford to keep him since he won't get any increase in playing time. He's eager to be a starter and start making real money. The problem is that the current NBA market lacks many teams capable of offering what he wants. That doesn't include compensation for Golden State in any sign-and-trade. Anthony Slater of The Athletic did some digging and discovered the Warriors' price tag for such a possibility. Unsurprisingly, it's steep.
The Golden State Warriors, according to league sources, have been searching for a promising young player plus a first-round pick in return for Kuminga, should they ultimately choose to part with him in a sign-and-trade scenario. They extended the $7.9 million qualifying offer to the 22-year-old wing and maintain the ability to match any contract he signs...
...The Washington Wizards entered the mix in the last 24 hours, and the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has gained real momentum, according to league sources. (A Wizards source said the team has not expressed interest in Kuminga.) The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets have also registered varying levels of interest, league sources said.
Chicago needs to ask whether Jonathan Kuminga is worth it.
Nobody argues that he is a solid basketball player. He was excellent in the Warriors' semifinal round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, giving up a young prospect and a 1st round pick, along with what would be a lot of money to extend him, is significant. The Bulls would have to feel that what Jonathan Kuminga showed in that playoff series can become a regular, everyday thing once he becomes a full-time starter. A frontcourt with Matas Buzelis and he would certainly hold plenty of possibilities. While Chicago can give up the 1st round pick, the only two notable players Golden State might have interest in are Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. White would give them a playmaker at shooting guard they don't have, while Dosunmu would be a great backup to Steph Curry.
