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Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors sit in the front row of the stands before their game against the LA Clippers.
With Jonathan Kuminga’s future in Golden State effectively sealed, the only remaining uncertainty is where the former No. 7 pick will land once he becomes trade-eligible on January 15.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Chicago Bulls should be considered a “team to watch” as the Warriors prepare to explore the market for Kuminga ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Stein reported that while there is “no evidence” Chicago plans to pursue Mavericks star and native son Anthony Davis, league sources have repeatedly linked the Bulls to Kuminga dating back to multiple past negotiations.
Bulls Have Discussed Kuminga in Previous Trade Talks
Stein noted that Chicago has “certainly registered trade interest” in Kuminga before. The Bulls raised his name in previous discussions involving Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vučević—talks that spanned “varying degrees of seriousness” but never progressed to completion.
“The Warriors are increasingly expected to trade Kuminga between Jan. 15… and the Feb. 5 deadline,” Stein wrote. “Chicago has certainly registered trade interest in Kuminga in the past.”
Chicago’s interest resurfacing now suggests the Bulls could re-engage once Kuminga’s 2024–25 trade restriction lifts.
DNP-CD in Chicago Signals a Possible Final Chapter
GettyGolden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shakes hands with Jonathan Kuminga.
The timing of Kuminga’s latest DNP–CD, occurring Sunday in Chicago, raised eyebrows around the league. Not only did Kuminga fail to see the floor—even in garbage time—but his absence came during a matchup with a franchise that has been monitoring him closely.
The benching only intensifies the expectation that Golden State will move him once eligible.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State plans to actively explore trade scenarios involving Kuminga starting January 15.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported, calling it the strongest indication yet that a parting of ways is imminent.
Warriors Previously Discussed Kuminga in Multiple Sign-and-Trade Scenarios
This is not the first time the Warriors have tested the market. Kuminga was included in sign-and-trade discussions with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings last summer, though none advanced to formal stages. The Bulls were also linked during the offseason but prioritized their negotiations with Josh Giddey, then a restricted free agent.
Now, with Chicago spiraling and Golden State shifting toward roster upgrades, both sides appear better aligned for renewed talks.
Kerr’s Comments Highlight Urgency—But Also Acceptance
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been publicly pushing Kuminga to improve since the forward’s return from injury.
“With JK, always run the floor. Take care of the ball. Turnovers have been an issue lately,” Kerr said before Golden State’s win in Cleveland on Saturday. “I want him to be the first guy down the floor, not the last.”
Over his last four games, Kuminga has averaged 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists against 2.0 turnovers while shooting only 30% from the field.
But Kerr’s tone has shifted from developmental guidance to acceptance after benching the 23-year-old forward in Chicago on Sunday.
“My desire is for JK to be the best player he can possibly be, regardless of where he ends up, here or elsewhere,” Kerr said, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater, signaling full acknowledgment that Kuminga may no longer be part of Golden State’s long-term plans.
Kerr also cited a lesson from former GM Bob Myers, explaining that coaches guide the players they have, while general managers must constantly evaluate the broader roster landscape.
Stephen Curry’s Return Pushes Kuminga Further Down the Depth Chart
The situation further complicates with Stephen Curry expected to return from a quad contusion. His comeback solidifies rotations and is likely to push Kuminga even deeper down the bench.
Curry, however, attempted to keep Kuminga’s morale steady.
“Really, the hardest part is… not losing your spirit,” Curry said. “That’s been JK’s challenge as a young player… Things change quickly.”
Kuminga’s Golden State Run Appears Near Its End
Unless injuries force Golden State to rely on him again, Kuminga may have already played his final meaningful minutes for the Warriors. With Chicago emerging as a potential bidder and Kuminga’s trade window opening in days, the next chapter of his career is likely to begin soon.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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