Jonathan Kuminga’s name is back in the NBA trade rumor spotlight, and this time, two Eastern Conference teams are reportedly circling with interest. According to a new report from Mike A. Scotto of HoopsHype, the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls have emerged as potential sign-and-trade candidates for the Golden State Warriors’ promising forward. While nothing is imminent, the report has ignited speculation around the league, given the implications such a move could have for all parties involved. Kuminga, who showed significant flashes of his potential during the 2024-25 season, could be the centerpiece of a major roster shift as Golden State looks to pivot into a new era.
The 21-year-old forward out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in the 2021 NBA Draft, part of a promising youth movement designed to extend the dynasty into a new generation. But despite his raw athleticism and improved offensive polish, Kuminga has struggled to find consistent footing within Steve Kerr’s system, often caught between the expectations of development and the demands of a championship culture. This past season, however, Kuminga began to deliver on the promise that made him a top-10 pick. He averaged career highs across the board, showing an improved handle, better decision-making, and a more reliable jump shot—attributes that have now caught the eye of rival front offices.
Enter the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls—two franchises in very different positions but with mutual interest in adding a high-upside forward like Kuminga. The Heat, known for their player development and “Heat Culture,” have always valued versatility and defensive upside. With an aging core, including Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Miami could be looking to inject fresh athleticism into their roster. Kuminga, with his explosive first step and switchable defense, would fit right in. While Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra would likely not consider him a direct replacement for Butler, he could become a key component of a retooled lineup that can run with the elite teams in the East for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Bulls are in a different situation altogether. After another underwhelming season in which the team floated between mediocrity and inconsistency, Chicago appears to be on the verge of a roster overhaul. DeMar DeRozan’s future is uncertain, Lonzo Ball’s injury status clouds their backcourt, and Zach LaVine has already been featured in multiple trade rumors himself. By acquiring Kuminga, Chicago could shift toward a younger, more dynamic core built around athleticism and two-way potential. The 6-foot-7 forward could be a foundational piece in a rebuild or retooling phase, something Bulls fans have been clamoring for after years of treading water.
For Golden State, moving Kuminga in a sign-and-trade would signal a major philosophical decision. The franchise, led by head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., has long attempted to thread the needle between competing now and developing future stars. That balancing act—nicknamed the “two-timeline” approach—has often come under fire, especially as injuries, age, and cap constraints have caught up with the aging core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. If Kuminga is indeed dealt, it could mean the Warriors are fully committing to maximizing the final years of Curry’s prime, possibly chasing veterans who can help immediately rather than waiting on potential.
The mechanics of a sign-and-trade are always tricky. Kuminga would need to agree to a new contract with Golden State, which the Warriors would then use to facilitate a trade. This offers some flexibility but also comes with financial and timing complications, particularly with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in effect. Teams like Miami and Chicago would need to match salaries or include assets—whether draft picks or other players—that satisfy Golden State’s demands. The Heat, for example, might dangle young players like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović, or even Tyler Herro, depending on how aggressive they want to be. The Bulls, meanwhile, might offer draft picks, young guards like Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu, or even consider making LaVine part of a larger multi-team deal.
Timing could also play a major factor. The NBA offseason is always fluid, with dominos often falling fast once the first major deals go through. Kuminga’s market value is high, especially for teams looking to escape the purgatory of mediocrity. A sign-and-trade involving him would likely need to occur early in the free agency window, as teams solidify their cap situations and roster needs. If Miami or Chicago truly want Kuminga, they’ll need to act decisively—and potentially outbid each other.
Kuminga’s camp will also play a crucial role. While he’s still young and under team control, the idea of becoming a featured piece elsewhere could be appealing. In Golden State, he’s largely been an accessory, asked to defer to the older stars and focus on defense and hustle plays. A move to Miami or Chicago would almost certainly come with greater offensive responsibility and a more central role. That could fast-track his development and finally provide the stability and usage he needs to reach All-Star potential.
League insiders have noted that Golden State isn’t eager to part ways with Kuminga, but rather open to discussions if the right deal presents itself. That distinction is critical. The Warriors know what they have in Kuminga—a rare athlete with elite-level ceiling—but they also recognize the challenges of keeping everyone happy under the salary cap while remaining competitive. If they believe a package from Miami or Chicago improves their current title odds or helps set them up better long-term, they’ll consider it.
For the Heat, landing Kuminga would be a classic move. Miami has made a habit of maximizing untapped potential, turning overlooked or underutilized players into key contributors. Think Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Max Strus—all players who blossomed in Spoelstra’s system. Kuminga, with his size and skill set, could thrive in that culture. He could be the long-term heir to Jimmy Butler or perhaps a new hybrid forward to pair with Bam Adebayo in a modern two-way frontcourt.
The Bulls, meanwhile, have to consider their identity moving forward. Stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack, they need a jolt—something bold that breaks the cycle of inconsistency. Kuminga could offer that. He’s young, improving rapidly, and capable of highlight-reel plays that energize fans and ignite a new era of basketball in Chicago. Add him to a core with Patrick Williams and potentially another lottery pick, and the Bulls suddenly look like a team with direction.
Ultimately, the rumors linking Kuminga to Miami and Chicago may fizzle out. NBA trade chatter is often loud and rarely results in immediate action. But the interest from two historic franchises is noteworthy, especially given the stage of Kuminga’s career and the crossroads the Warriors find themselves in. As the offseason heats up, expect his name to continue surfacing in talks around the league. Whether it’s South Beach or the Windy City, the idea of Kuminga taking on a leading role is becoming increasingly realistic.
With the right situation and the right coaching, Jonathan Kuminga could explode. The raw tools are there—he’s already shown flashes of becoming a devastating two-way force. What he needs now is a franchise willing to hand him the keys, unleash his game, and let him grow through the inevitable ups and downs. Whether that team is Miami, Chicago, or another suitor remains to be seen. But make no mistake: Kuminga’s trajectory is one of the most intriguing stories to watch as the NBA prepares for yet another dramatic summer. The Warriors have a decision to make, the Heat and Bulls are lurking, and a young star-in-waiting could be on the move.
