Throughout the summer, the Chicago Bulls have been linked with interest in a potential sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
The explosive forward is currently a restricted free agent and is yet to reach an agreement with the Golden State Warriors. As such, there’s still a chance that Kuminga looks to force his way out of the Bay Area.
In a July 28 article, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints proposed a trade that would make sense for everyone involved. The deal would send Kuminga to the Bulls, while landing Ayo Dosunmu with the Warriors.
The full trade proposal looks like this:
Chicago Bulls receive: Jonathan Kuminga (4-year, $115 million contract with about $24 million Year 1 base compensation) and Trayce Jackson-Davis
Golden State Warriors receive: Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Smith, a 2029 1st-round pick (Lottery-protected, becomes two 2nd-round picks in ’29, ’30 if not conveyed) from the Bulls and a 2028 2nd-round pick from the Bulls.
“The other interesting wrinkle pertaining to the Bulls and Kuminga is whether they would truly want him,” Siegel wrote. “After all, the team did just trade for Isaac Okoro and draft Noa Essengue this offseason. Not to mention, Kuminga would join Chicago on a long-term contract that would presumably make him their highest-paid player.”
Siegel makes a good point. The Bulls’ need for Kuminga isn’t as high as it was to begin the summer. The franchise may see his addition as overkill to the rotation. However, if Chicago’s front office does view Kuminga as a potential cornerstone piece, a deal like the one Siegel proposed could be enough to get it done.
Bulls’ Negotiations With Josh Giddey Drag On
One thing that could derail, or at least delay, a potential move for Kuminga is the ongoing contract negotiations with Josh Giddey. Like Kuminga, Giddey is a restricted free agent this summer and appears to be in no rush to get an agreement over the line.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the negotiations between Giddey and Chicago could drag on for the foreseeable future.
“We’re almost in August, but there’s really no rush on any of these teams or players’ side of things if you’re not moving these conversations closer to where you want to be,” Fischer said. “The last we reported on The Stein Line was that Josh Giddey’s side was still more anchored around $30 million AAV, and Chicago was more anchored around 20.”
Fischer continued.
“So, why not take all the time you need to get those ballparks or those field goal posts closer? I don’t really see a conclusion coming anytime soon. Also, I do not anticipate a [sign-and-trade] happening. And, I do think Josh Giddey is going to be going back to Chicago no matter what, but figuring out those terms will be tricky.”
Unlike Kuminga, there appears to be no external interest in Giddey. Therefore, the Bulls hold all of the cards in the current discussion, which should help lead to an agreement, eventually.
Bulls Want to Keep Giddey
When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, an anonymous front office executive revealed the franchise’s desire to retain Giddey beyond this summer.
“We want to get a deal done with Josh,” The executive said. “He’s as important of a player as we have. We see him as a foundational player for us. I hope we can find a deal that makes sense for us and him and that we’ll be together for a long time.”
Until Giddey re-signs with the Bulls, a move for Kuminga would be unlikely. If, after Giddey agrees to a new deal, the franchise still believes the former lottery pick would improve the team, then a trade offer isn’t outside the realm of possibility. In truth, though, the Sacramento Kings or Phoenix Suns may be a better landing spot for him.
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