This summer, the Golden State Warriors finally agreed to a two-year, $46.8 million contract with Jonathan Kuminga. The fifth-year forward is far from a superstar, although he is one of the better young players in the NBA.
This summer, he was linked to the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings in both trade and free agency rumors, although it seems like he is in Golden State, at least for the short term.
While Kuminga is brimming with promise, the Warriors aren’t concerned with their young core. The main priority is chasing a title and maximising the end of Stephen Curry’s career. Golden State should be able to do that with or without Kuminga in town.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 12: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls on January 12, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Predicted to Trade Kuminga
Kuminga wanted a player option for the second year of his contract, but instead will be under team control. As if his contract wasn’t tradeable enough, the Warriors can easily flip him after the offseason negotiations.
Veteran center Al Horford won’t play in back-to-backs, so the Warriors will need frontcourt depth. Nikola Vucevic has long been linked to Golden State, and could be on the move.
Of all the teams initially linked to Kuminga, the Bulls seem like the best remaining landing spot.
“He’ll be a Bull by All-Star Weekend,” predicted Chandler Parsons on FanDuel’s Run It Back show.
The Bulls are building a young core with Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Noa Essengue. Kuminga fits in well with that group, and the Bulls have ample veteran talent to match salary.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 26, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Mock Trade Sends Kuminga to Chicago Bulls
Matching salaries between the Warriors and Bulls is rather easy. While the deal doesn’t help the Warriors get any younger, it fills the final frontcourt gap.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Chicago Bulls receive: Jonathan Kuminga
- Golden State Warriors receive: 2028 first-round pick (top-ten protected), 2030 first-round pick (top-ten protected)
This trade allows the Warriors to always have a stretch center on the floor between Horford and Vucevic. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody can lock down the wings on defense, and Buddy Hield can carry a bigger scoring burden.
The Bulls give up two picks, although if their core breaks out as expected, they should be near the top of the East by the time the two picks convey. If giving up two picks is too rich, perhaps the Warriors would be amenable to a single, unprotected first-rounder in the near future.
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