Jonathan Kuminga’s name is once again circling the NBA trade rumor mill, and this time, the New Orleans Pelicans are emerging as a potential landing spot. With the Pelicans actively exploring midseason upgrades, Kuminga’s situation has added another layer of intrigue to a team already facing some tough questions.
New Orleans has been navigating a rocky stretch, and the front office seems to be feeling the pressure. With injuries and inconsistent play threatening their playoff hopes, the team is scanning the league for reinforcements.
One of the biggest concerns? Zion Williamson’s ongoing durability issues.
When he’s on the floor, Zion is a force. But keeping him there has been a challenge, and that uncertainty is pushing the Pelicans to consider bold moves.
According to league insider Brett Siegel, there are people within the Pelicans organization who are high on Kuminga. But the path to bringing him to New Orleans isn’t exactly clear.
The Warriors, who are also at a crossroads, would likely need more than just interest to make a deal work. Names like Trey Murphy have surfaced in the conversation, but it’s unclear whether Golden State would be willing to include future first-round picks or additional assets to get a deal done.
There’s also been chatter about the Warriors potentially showing interest in Herb Jones - a defensive-minded wing who fits the mold of what Golden State has valued in recent years. But again, nothing appears imminent, and both teams seem to be weighing their options carefully.
As the Pelicans’ losses mount, trade speculation is only going to intensify. But even amid the uncertainty, New Orleans appears to have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to certain young pieces. Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are reportedly off the table - seen as foundational to the team’s long-term vision.
On the other side of this trade puzzle is Kuminga, whose role in Golden State has come under scrutiny. Despite his physical tools and flashes of promise, he hasn’t quite locked down a consistent spot in the rotation - and that’s led to growing questions about his future with the franchise.
Enter the Chicago Bulls. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Chicago has shown interest in Kuminga in the past, and his name has come up in various trade talks. The Bulls have reportedly explored deals involving players like Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic - and Kuminga has been mentioned in those conversations.
Vucevic, in particular, presents an interesting case. The Warriors have previously expressed interest in the veteran big man, but talks reportedly stalled over the Bulls’ asking price. Now, with Chicago struggling and the trade deadline creeping closer, there’s a sense that both sides might be more open to revisiting those discussions.
Vucevic brings a steady scoring presence and valuable floor spacing - qualities the Warriors could use as they look to retool around their aging core. Meanwhile, Kuminga represents upside for a team like Chicago that’s looking to inject youth and athleticism into its roster.
With the deadline approaching, the Warriors and Pelicans - and possibly the Bulls - all find themselves in a similar position: searching for answers, weighing risk against reward, and trying to figure out what direction gives them the best shot at staying competitive. And at the center of it all? Jonathan Kuminga - a talented young forward whose next move could be one of the more intriguing storylines of the NBA’s midseason shuffle.