The Golden State Warriors are entering a critical summer—and Jonathan Kuminga may be right at the center of it.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Chicago Bulls have maintained “ongoing interest” in the 22-year-old forward. That lines up with trade conversations between the two franchises that took place last summer and again before the most recent trade deadline, involving Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vučević.
And this summer, the calls might get louder.
With Kuminga coming off his rookie deal, Golden State must decide whether to extend him, deal him in a sign-and-trade, or risk losing him in restricted free agency. The Bulls know that too—and are circling accordingly.
Golden State Faces Big Kuminga Decision This Summer
Kuminga has shown flashes of becoming a true two-way force. But with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler now forming the team’s veteran core, there’s only so much room—and so many touches—to go around.
That’s where things get complicated.
According to Brett Siegel, a Kuminga return has “gained some momentum” ahead of free agency. “He’s been taking his offseason training very seriously and is seeking a much larger role next season, wherever he is,” Siegel noted. If no sign-and-trade makes sense, Golden State could opt to bring him back and reassess midseason.
It’s not ideal. But letting him walk for nothing would be far worse.
A trade, however, could yield a key rotation piece to fit the Warriors’ needs — whether it’s Coby White, a microwave scorer with range; Nikola Vučević, a stretch 5 who fills their size gap; or Patrick Williams, an athletic forward in the Kuminga mold.
Why the Warriors Might Hold Firm on Kuminga
Kuminga may not be a finished product, but his ceiling is high—and he’s still just 22. In spurts, he’s shown the ability to defend multiple positions, finish in traffic, and run in transition. That’s exactly the kind of athleticism this aging Warriors team needs.
And if there’s a way to blend his talent with Curry’s floor game and Butler’s toughness, Golden State could have something special.
Teams like Chicago are hoping Kuminga becomes available. But unless the offer is too good to pass up, the Warriors might decide the smarter move is to keep developing the player they drafted.
Whether that’s posturing or a real plan? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Golden State’s offseason runs through Jonathan Kuminga.
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