Jonathan Kuminga’s time with the Golden State Warriors could be nearing its end, and the Chicago Bulls are watching closely. With the 22-year-old forward reportedly seeking a bigger role, league insiders say a sign-and-trade deal involving the Bulls is gaining serious traction.
As the Bulls retool their roster and the Warriors weigh their options, both sides appear motivated to explore a deal that could reshape their futures heading into the 2025-26 season.
Jonathan Kuminga Sign-and-Trade Scenario Heating Up Between Bulls and Warriors
The Bulls have emerged as a serious destination in ongoing sign-and-trade rumors involving Warriors forward Kuminga. According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, the concept is viewed as a realistic possibility by league insiders.
“A sign-and-trade concept that would send Jonathan Kuminga to Chicago continues to be mentioned as a realistic possibility among league circles. Kuminga is reportedly looking to move on from the Warriors in hopes of finding a bigger role elsewhere. Nikola Vučević, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu are notable names that could be linked with Golden State in this scenario,” Weinnach posted on X.
A sign-and-trade concept that would send Jonathan Kuminga to Chicago continues to be mentioned as a realistic possibility among league circles.
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>Kuminga is reportedly looking to move on from the Warriors in hopes of finding a bigger role elsewhere. Nikola Vučević, Coby White, and…— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 29, 2025
Kuminga is reportedly looking for a bigger role, something Golden State may not be able to promise. His minutes fluctuated late in the 2024-25 season, especially in the lineup, now featuring Jimmy Butler. He even missed key games, including the regular season finale and play-in matchup.
Despite the inconsistency, the Warriors extended Kuminga a $7.9 million qualifying offer ahead of the deadline, officially making him a restricted free agent. This gives Golden State the ability to match any offer sheet he receives, though trade may still be the cleaner path forward for all sides.
Besides, conversations between the Bulls and Warriors aren’t new. The two front offices have reportedly explored frameworks in previous offseasons, and this time, the stakes are even clearer.
Do Bulls Make Sense for Kuminga?
The Bulls can offer exactly what Kuminga wants — a bigger role, consistent playing time, and room to grow into a featured starter. The Bulls recently traded Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers and are clearly reshaping their roster. The 22-year-old could help fill that hole by giving the team a dynamic wing who can play both forward spots.
Kuminga, the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during the 2024-25 season. His explosiveness, scoring touch, and ability to guard multiple positions would slot in perfectly alongside Matas Buzelis, forming a young, athletic frontcourt duo with flexibility and upside.
While Golden State will have the final say due to his restricted status, the most likely trade chips from Chicago appear to be center Vučević and guard White. Vučević, 34, is no longer seen as part of the Bulls’ long-term vision. He still brings value to teams in need of frontcourt depth.
White, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his deal. The Bulls are reportedly unsure they can afford to extend him again, which makes him a logical inclusion in trade talks.
Kuminga only played 47 games last season, missing time with a severe ankle injury. But when healthy, he showed the potential that made him a top lottery pick, flashing the kind of two-way versatility the Bulls need.
