Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga could very well be on the move this offseason.
After being highly touted as one of the young centerpieces of Warriors owner Joe Lacob's supposed "two timelines" approach (along with swingman Moses Moody and now-departed center James Wiseman and now-departed shooting guard Jordan Poole), Kuminga appears to have grown frustrated with his inconsistent role on Steve Kerr's club.
An injury and the Warriors' blockbuster midseason trade to acquire Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat reduced Kuminga's minutes. By the end of the season, he was a healthy scratch for Kerr. Injuries elsewhere on the roster necessitated a return to the rotation for Kuminga, and he occasionally rewarded that decision with some big scoring nights in the playoffs.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jan 12, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Kuminga could be pursuing a new home elsewhere in the league this summer.
With the Chicago Bulls rumored to be in pursuit of Kuminga in a possible sign-and-trade deal, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that the 6-foot-8 forward is looking for a more consistent role in the future than he's had with the veteran-laden Warriors. Chicago could provide that.
So who would the Bulls surrender in such an exchange?
Per Scotto, the Warriors could re-engage Chicago on talks to trade for two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, for whom both sides discussed a potential deal leading up to this past season's February 8 trade deadline. Vucevic, who turns 35 in October, is about to be on an expiring $21.5 million contract next season.
Sources inform Scotto that Golden State may still opt to re-sign Kuminga and hold onto him. The 22-year-old is heading for restricted free agency when the 2025-26 season officially tips off on June 30.
The size-challenged Warriors would appreciate Vucevic's long-range sniping, rebounding, and passing, although he's plodding (i.e. a nightmare on switches) and a limited rim protector.
In 2024-25, the 6-foot-10 USC product averaged 18.5 points on .530/.402/.805 shooting splits, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while suiting up for 73 contests.
Vucevic would join an incredibly old, incredibly talented Hall of Fame Golden State core, alongside 11-time All-Star point guard Stephen Curry (37), six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler (35), and four-time All-Star forward Draymond Green (34). While struggling with injuries to Curry and Butler, the Warriors were felled by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of this spring's playoffs.
Golden State is no doubting hoping to add more championship hardware while Curry and Butler are still All-Star-level talents. And the team's height problems can no longer be ignored. Vucevic could help there, but it would behoove the Warriors to add an athletic, rim-rolling big man as his backup.