The Golden State Warriors' 22-year-old rising star Jonathan Kuminga has managed to capture the attention of the broader NBA world this summer.
Kuminga's ongoing restricted free agency saga has kept fans and media members alike on their toes throughout the early stages of the offseason, and no progress has been made on any front with regard to a potential sign-and-trade.
The athletic wing has remained patient, but the Warriors have continued to look around the league for a trade partner in an effort to end the stalemate.
Golden State has reportedly conducted ineffective talks with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, but recent updates have indicated that the Chicago Bulls might emerge as an interested party. If the Bulls prove to be a persistent option, the Warriors could look to nab a former lottery pick and versatile frontcourt force, Jalen Smith, in a possible deal.
"Kuminga wants a new situation," ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel wrote Friday afternoon.
"We've reported on this extensively at ClutchPoints, and the 22-year-old has signaled that the role he wants moving forward isn't obtainable with the Warriors."
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"That is why the two sides have searched throughout the NBA for potential sign-and-trade opportunities. At one point, the two sides were hopeful something would happen with the Bulls near the start of free agency."
"That hope still exists now, but Chicago has yet to signal that they want to bring in Kuminga since they want to sort out Giddey's mess first."
While it's not a given that Chicago will be gunning for Kuminga due to fellow restricted free agent Josh Giddey's unfolding situation, the Bulls could offer a few players with attractive play-styles to Golden State's general manager Mike Dunleavy.
By prospectively acquiring a floor-stretcher like Smith along with another young piece like Ayo Dosunmu in a hypothetical sign-and-trade, the Warriors could supply their 4-time NBA champion and 2022 NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry with a serviceable partner in pick-and-fade actions.
In 64 appearances with the Bulls in 2024-25, the former No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft to the Phoenix Suns contributed 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in just 15 minutes of action.
The 6-foot-10 center's 32.4% accuracy from three-point range may quell some of the Warriors' interest, but he's proven to be a lethal distance shooting threat in large sample sizes in the past.
One could point to his wonderful 2023-24 campaign as a member of the Indiana Pacers, when he connected on 42.4% of his 2.4 attempts from long range in 61 contests.
More NBA: Lakers sign undrafted 23-year-old guard, Warriors' standout Summer League performer