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Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Detroit Pistons.
As the Golden State Warriors prepare to open the Jonathan Kuminga trade market on January 15, one franchise has emerged as a clear “team to watch” — the Chicago Bulls, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
While speculation earlier this season linked Chicago to splashier names — including a rumored and quickly dismissed interest in hometown star Anthony Davis — Stein reports the Bulls have long monitored Kuminga and previously engaged in negotiations involving the 23-year-old forward.
Stein notes Chicago raised Kuminga’s name in past conversations centered around Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vučević, underscoring a consistent belief inside the organization that the former No. 7 pick fits the Bulls’ athletic, youth-driven developmental arc.
And given the current state of the Bulls, the timing of Kuminga’s availability could not be more relevant.
Chicago’s Season Slipping Away: ‘We Are Not Any Different From Those Teams’
After starting the year 6–1, the Bulls have collapsed to 9–14, suffering both a five-game and a seven-game losing streak along the way. Chicago has now dropped 13 of its last 16 games, sliding rapidly out of playoff contention as internal pressure builds.
Head coach Billy Donovan did not mince words when assessing the team’s downward spiral.
“People wanna sit there and say, ‘Well, you lost to New Orleans. They got a bad record.’ Indiana, bad record. I don’t think we’re any different from those teams,” Donovan said, per The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi.
“We’re not just gifted to walk in there (and) if we show up, we’ll win games. … I do not view it that way at all when I watch tape.”
The Bulls’ lack of athleticism, burst scoring, and defensive versatility has been glaring — and Kuminga, despite his flaws, checks each of those boxes.
Kuminga’s Time in Golden State Appears Over After Latest DNP-CD
GettyJonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors runs onto the court for their game against the Denver Nuggets.
Kuminga’s value took another hit this week when he logged a healthy DNP-CD in Golden State’s blowout win — notably, in Chicago. He did not appear even in garbage time, a strong indication that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr no longer views him as part of the team’s rotation.
League observers believe the message is unmistakable: the Warriors are preparing to move on.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Golden State will begin fielding offers the moment Kuminga becomes trade-eligible on 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.
The Warriors have already explored sign-and-trade frameworks involving Kuminga with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, though talks never progressed.
The Bulls were also linked during the offseason, but prioritized their negotiations with Josh Giddey, then a restricted free agent like Kuminga.
Why Chicago Makes Sense: Youth, Upside, and the Need for Change
Chicago’s interest in Kuminga predates this season’s collapse, but the organization’s current trajectory may accelerate its pursuit.
Kuminga — still only 23 — represents the profile the Bulls lack: explosive athleticism, two-way upside at the forward spot, long-term developmental runway and a contract that fits both retooling and rebuild timelines.
His recent struggles in Golden State include shooting 30% from the field over his last four appearances and turnovers that Kerr labeled “an issue.” But scouts remain firm on his potential as a high-ceiling two-way starter with the right usage and system.
Kerr: ‘Wherever He Ends Up, Here or Elsewhere’
Kerr addressed Kuminga’s situation directly when asked about his repeated benchings.
“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.
With Stephen Curry returning from injury and Golden State shifting toward veterans and system players, Kuminga’s path to meaningful minutes has effectively closed.
For the Bulls — who desperately need an infusion of youth, energy, and future upside — that may be the opening they’ve been waiting for.
A Potential Turning Point for Chicago
If the Bulls decide they cannot compete as currently constructed, Kuminga represents the kind of high-upside swing that aligns with both a soft reboot and a long-term rebuild.
And with the Warriors officially opening the trade market next month, Chicago’s status as a “team to watch” suggests this could be a pivotal moment — both for Kuminga’s career and the Bulls’ fading season.
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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