The Jonathan Kuminga saga with the Golden State Warriors has dragged on for weeks now, but here’s something that might surprise Bulls fans – our front office has been eyeing the young forward for much longer than this offseason’s free agency drama suggests.
The Caruso Connection: Bulls Wanted Kuminga Over a Year Ago
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bulls actually tried to acquire Kuminga in a trade package for Alex Caruso during the 2023-24 season. Warriors owner Joe Lacob reportedly shut down any deal that included Kuminga, showing just how highly Golden State valued their former lottery pick.
Looking back, Lacob might have done us a favor. While Kuminga has tantalizing potential, Josh Giddey has proven to be the more reliable option – at least for now. The Australian guard’s strong finish to last season and established track record made him the safer bet for a Bulls team still figuring out its direction.
Why Kuminga Makes Sense for Chicago’s Rebuild
Perfect Fit for the Youth Movement
The Bulls have clearly committed to building around young talent with upside. Between Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Noa Essengue, the organization is betting on development over immediate wins. Kuminga fits that profile perfectly – he’s just 22 years old with legitimate NBA experience and untapped potential.
Opportunity Chicago Can Provide
One of Kuminga’s biggest frustrations in Golden State has been his inconsistent role. Steve Kerr’s rotation decisions and the Warriors’ win-now mentality have limited Kuminga’s opportunities to establish himself. In Chicago, he’d likely see expanded minutes and a clearer path to featured status.
The Bulls currently have the roster flexibility and financial resources to give young players room to grow. That’s exactly what Kuminga needs at this stage of his career.
The 2026 Free Agency Angle
Bulls Will Have Cap Space
Even though Chicago re-signed Giddey earlier this month, the team will still have significant cap space heading into the 2026 offseason. If Kuminga takes the qualifying offer this season (which seems increasingly likely), he’d hit unrestricted free agency next summer with the Bulls positioned as potential suitors.
Kuminga’s Reported Interest in Chicago
Earlier reports suggested Kuminga was interested in joining the Bulls, though that could have been strategic positioning by his representatives. Still, Chicago’s current situation – young core, playing time available, and a patient rebuilding approach – aligns with what Kuminga likely wants in his next situation.
What This Means for Bulls Fans
Don’t Expect Immediate Action
Jake Fischer from The Stein Line doesn’t anticipate the Bulls and Kuminga’s camp having serious discussions this offseason. With Giddey now locked up and training camp approaching, any potential move would likely wait until next summer.
Long-Term Planning
The fact that Arturas Karnisovas has maintained interest in Kuminga for over a year shows this isn’t just casual monitoring. The Bulls’ front office clearly sees something in the former top-10 pick that makes him worth pursuing despite his inconsistent production.
The Reality Check
Kuminga’s Track Record
Let’s be honest – Kuminga hasn’t lived up to his draft position yet. Four seasons in, he’s shown flashes but hasn’t put together a complete campaign. His shooting remains inconsistent, and his basketball IQ has been questioned at times.
Roster Fit Questions
With Buzelis and Essengue already in the system, adding another project forward might not make the most sense. The Bulls need to be strategic about which young players they invest in long-term.
Bottom Line for Bulls Fans
While nothing will happen immediately, Jonathan Kuminga remains a name worth monitoring. The Bulls’ sustained interest, combined with his potential availability next summer, creates an intriguing possibility for Chicago’s rebuild.
Whether Kuminga can maximize his potential in a Bulls uniform remains to be seen, but the organization clearly believes he’s worth the gamble. For a franchise committed to finding diamonds in the rough, Kuminga represents exactly the type of calculated risk that could pay major dividends.
Keep his name in the back of your mind as we head into the 2025-26 season. If the Warriors can’t figure out a long-term deal and Kuminga hits free agency next summer, the Bulls might finally get their chance to land a player they’ve been pursuing for years.
The bottom line: Chicago’s interest in Kuminga isn’t new, and it probably won’t go away anytime soon.
Image and Sources: https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/basketball/articles/what-is-holding-jonathan-kuminga-back-from-signing-with-the-golden-state-warriors-2025-09-17