NBA insider claims Bulls have interest in ostracized Warriors star

The Chicago Bulls have some work to do this offseason. After falling yet again in the play-in, despite getting the home game and finishing the regular season on a pretty hot streak, the Bulls are back at the top of the lottery, making it difficult to land a true star once again in the draft. They can pursue other options, like free agents or tradeable players, to improve this offseason.

One such player is Jonathan Kuminga. Though his season isn’t yet over, there is an expectation around the NBA that he will be available this offseason. He’s somewhat fallen out of favor with the Golden State Warriors, and they could move on to make room for veteran pieces around Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry. If so, one NBA insider believes the Bulls are interested.

Jonathan Kuminga linked to Bulls by NBA insider

Through the postseason, which includes eight games now that the Golden State Warriors advanced out of the play-in and through the first round in seven games, Jonathan Kuminga has played three times. He’s made one start, and in those three games, he’s averaging under 17 minutes per game.

Contrasted with his regular-season minutes (47 appearances and 24.3 minutes per game), it’s easy to see that right now, Kuminga is on the outs in Golden State. Per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, Kuminga might just be available for trade this offseason. The Brooklyn Nets already tried and failed to trade for him.

Siegel added, “Another team that league sources indicated as one keeping a close eye on Kuminga over the last year is the Chicago Bulls. After letting DeMar DeRozan go to the Sacramento Kings last offseason and then trading Zach LaVine to Sacramento this season, the Bulls have reshuffled their roster.”

That would essentially give the Bulls a younger player to build around, especially if they decide to part ways with Josh Giddey and/or Coby White. Those two are nearing extension time, and the Bulls have to decide whether or not they can or want to keep either or both of them. One of them could be central in the package for Kuminga.

All three of those players, White, Giddey, and Kuminga, have unclear futures, so perhaps swapping some of them is best for all parties. It would allow the Bulls to reset and to take a younger player on and put off the extension question for the time being.