The Chicago Bulls are stirring up the basketball world with reports that they are closely monitoring Jonathan Kuminga, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. According to sources from Bleacher Report and ClutchPoints, the Bulls are considering a move for the young, high-potential player as they look to restructure their roster following a lackluster season.
Jonathan Kuminga – A Gem of the Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga, 22, has shown flashes of stardom in his four seasons with Golden State. With an ideal frame (6’8″, 225 lbs) and versatile skill set, Kuminga can fill multiple roles on the court, from dynamic defense to scoring at all three levels. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 47 games, though he started in only 10.
However, Kuminga’s relationship with the Warriors appears strained. After failing to reach a contract extension before the season, he is set to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025. The Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler has further clouded Kuminga’s role, as he has frequently been relegated to the bench or left out of crucial games.
Why Are the Bulls Interested in Kuminga?
The Chicago Bulls, with a disappointing 19-25 record and a No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2024-25 season, are seeking young, high-upside players to build for the future. After parting ways with key veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, the Bulls are focusing on developing talents like Josh Giddey and Coby White. Kuminga, with his age and playing style, is seen as a perfect fit for this emerging core.
Posts on X show Bulls fans buzzing with excitement over the prospect of bringing Kuminga to Chicago, where he could receive more consistent playing time and a chance to develop fully. Some speculate that the Bulls could propose a sign-and-trade deal, leveraging assets like Nikola Vucevic or draft picks to entice the Warriors.
Challenges in the Potential Deal
While the Bulls’ interest is evident, acquiring Kuminga is no easy task. Golden State, despite underutilizing him, still values Kuminga highly and retains the right to match any offer in free agency. Additionally, other teams, such as the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, are reportedly monitoring Kuminga’s situation, increasing competition.
Financially, the Bulls will need to tread carefully. Kuminga reportedly sought an average annual salary of around $35 million in extension talks with the Warriors, a significant figure for a rebuilding team like Chicago.
The Future for Kuminga and the Bulls
Should this deal materialize, Kuminga could become a cornerstone for the Bulls, joining Giddey and White to form a young, dynamic trio. His defensive versatility and offensive versatility would significantly boost Chicago’s two-way play. For Kuminga, leaving Golden State could be a chance to break out, stepping out from the shadows of stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Though still just a rumor, the Chicago Bulls’ interest in Jonathan Kuminga has sparked excitement among fans. Can the Bulls pull off a blockbuster move in the upcoming offseason? Only time will tell.