Why the Bulls Should Think Twice About Trading for Jonathan Kuminga
The Chicago Bulls continue to be linked to Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga in trade rumors - but it's fair to ask whether that’s a path worth pursuing. On paper, Kuminga checks several boxes: youth, athleticism, and flashes of high-level talent. But when you dig into the full picture, the fit gets murkier - and the upside may not be as high as it seems.
The Kuminga Conundrum: Flashes vs. Foundation
Let’s start with what makes Kuminga intriguing. He’s 23 years old, a former lottery pick, and has shown, at times, the kind of raw talent that turns heads.
Early this season, it looked like he was turning a corner. He was playing within the Warriors’ system, finding ways to contribute on both ends, and earning real minutes alongside Stephen Curry.
But that momentum didn’t last. As the Warriors began to slide, so did Kuminga’s consistency.
One night he’s in the starting five; the next, he’s glued to the bench. That kind of up-and-down usage isn’t entirely on him - Golden State’s rotations have been in flux all year - but it does speak to the coaching staff’s wavering trust in his game.
And trust is earned. Kuminga’s averaging 12.4 points per game on 43.8% shooting from the field and just 32% from three.
Those are respectable numbers, but they don’t scream “breakout star.” More concerning is the defensive end, where lapses in focus and execution have limited his playing time in key moments throughout his tenure in Golden State.
Bulls Need Stability, Not Another Project
For a Bulls team that’s been stuck in the middle - not quite contending, not quite rebuilding - the idea of adding a high-upside player like Kuminga is tempting. But this roster doesn’t need more volatility. It needs dependable, two-way contributors who can either elevate the current core or become building blocks in a clear rebuild.
Kuminga hasn’t consistently shown he can be either. His potential is still largely theoretical, and after four seasons in the league, that’s a red flag.
Yes, he had a brief playoff stretch last year where he averaged 24 points per game after Curry went down. But that was over a handful of games - a small sample size that’s easy to overvalue when you’re hungry for signs of stardom.
The Fit Questions Keep Piling Up
Even if Kuminga were to land in Chicago, the fit isn’t seamless. He’d likely get more freedom than he’s had in Golden State, but he’d also have to share the floor with Josh Giddey - a ball-dominant playmaker.
Kuminga has yet to show he can thrive off the ball or that he’s willing to take a secondary role without frustration. That’s a chemistry risk for a team already trying to find its identity.
Then there’s the contract situation. Kuminga signed a two-year extension last summer as a restricted free agent, with a team option on the second year.
That means he’s eligible for another extension next summer - or could hit free agency if his team declines the option. For the Bulls, trading for him doesn’t just mean acquiring a player; it means signing up for another round of high-stakes contract negotiations.
If he doesn’t pan out, you’re either letting him walk for nothing or committing to a potentially expensive mistake.
A Change of Scenery Isn’t a Cure-All
There’s always the chance that a new environment could unlock something in Kuminga. He’s still young, still athletic, and still has room to grow.
But the Bulls would be betting on their ability to develop him in ways the Warriors - a team known for maximizing talent - couldn’t. That’s a tall order.
Chicago has to ask itself: is this the kind of risk that moves the franchise forward, or is it just another swing at potential that never quite materializes?
Until Kuminga proves he can be more than a highlight reel waiting to happen, the Bulls might be better off looking elsewhere. They don’t need another question mark. They need answers.