An insider has urged the trade-averse Chicago Bulls to make a bold sign-and-trade for an embattled free agent.
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It’s no secret that the Golden State Warriors have a Jonathan Kuminga problem.
The 6-foot-8 power forward has become the most intriguing free agent of the summer. As a restricted free agent, Kuminga’s fate is somewhat controlled by Golden State.
Could Kuminga land in Chicago?
The Warriors can match any offer extended his way — unless he opts to pick up his $7.9 million player option for 2025-26, en route to becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer and controlling his own destiny.
Kuminga and Golden State still seem to be at odds over his role and contract, per Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN. The Warriors recently increased their offer from a two-year, $45 million salary to a three-season, $75.2 million agreement with a player option in 2027-28.
Inside the stalemate between Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors as training camp nears
Story with @ShamsCharania
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— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 15, 2025
Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints submits that the Warriors’ current problem could become the Bulls’ future solution.
Chicago has been floated as a possible sign-and-trade partner for Golden State, and both sides have been said to have at least some interest in making a deal happen. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are said to have made the biggest sign-and-trade offers so far.
“Chicago has long lacked a true two-way forward who could serve as the connective tissue between their backcourt and frontcourt. Jonathan Kuminga, currently in a stalemate contract situation with the Golden State Warriors, fits that mold perfectly,” Brahmbhatt writes. “His combination of athleticism, defensive versatility, and growing offensive skill set makes him a prime candidate for a breakout season if given a larger role.”
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The Bulls currently have two undercooked 2020 lottery picks that they’re going to try to give serious minutes at the forward spot this season in Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro. Why not go for a 2021 model?
“For the Bulls, Kuminga would immediately address their most glaring weakness: wing depth and scoring at the forward position,” Brahmbhatt notes.
Raw 2025 All-Rookie forward Matas Buzelis seems like a keeper at the position, but in the meantime, Kuminga could help give the Bulls more optionality there.
Head coach Billy Donovan loves to push the pace. The athletic Kuminga is a great transition player and could fit right in as a downhill piece, although he’s an inconsistent 3-point shooter.
Could recently re-signed restricted free agent Chicago point guard Josh Giddey thrive alongside Kuminga, Buzelis and Okoro?
“Defensively, pairing Kuminga with Okoro would give the Bulls one of the most disruptive perimeter duos in the Eastern Conference,” Brahmbhatt writes. “That type of defensive presence is the exact formula Chicago has been missing in their failed playoff pushes over the last several years. Offensively, Kuminga thrives in transition and could greatly benefit from Giddey’s passing vision.”
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