Bulls Reportedly Interested in Warriors RFA Jonathan Kuminga as Future Cap Room Opens
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The Chicago Bulls may emerge as a serious suitor for Golden State Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga once the forward’s contract situation reaches a resolution, according to multiple league reports.
Limited Trade Options, Eye on 2025 Cap Space
NBA reporter Jake Fischer said Friday that a sign-and-trade sending Kuminga to Chicago is “not very plausible” because the Bulls lack the kind of assets Golden State would want in return for the 22-year-old. Even so, Fischer noted that the Bulls should not be ruled out entirely, pointing to the franchise’s projected salary-cap flexibility next summer.
Kuminga Leaning Toward Qualifying Offer
Sources close to Kuminga told Fischer the forward is “strongly considering” accepting the Warriors’ $7.9 million qualifying offer, which expires Oct. 1. Signing that one-year deal would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2025, allowing him to choose his next team without restriction.
Contract Stalemate in Golden State
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported last month on “NBA Today” that negotiations between Golden State and Kuminga have stalled. The Warriors have offered a two-year, $45 million contract featuring a team option in the second season and no trade consent for the player in the first. Kuminga and his representatives want a longer, more “player-friendly” agreement that signals he is a building block rather than a trade asset.
“The word I’ve heard used from the Kuminga side is ‘pawn,’” Slater said, adding that the forward prefers a deal with a player option or, failing that, the qualifying offer, which includes a no-trade clause for the coming season.
Chicago’s Roster Needs
Chicago, which re-signed guard Josh Giddey earlier this offseason, has already moved on from DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Lonzo Ball, and Zach LaVine. With center Nikola Vučević turning 35 next month, the Bulls are expected to pursue younger talent to reset their roster, making Kuminga a potential long-term target if he reaches unrestricted free agency in 2025.
Source: Basketball Insiders
