New NBA Rumors Reveal What Bulls 'Wouldn't Promise' Jonathan Kuminga in Contract Talks

Although the Chicago Bulls had "definite interest" in forward Jonathan Kuminga before he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team could not guarantee he would "start or close games most nights," per Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.

"But the Bulls expressed definite interest in Kuminga, according to a league source speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss front-office strategy," Lorenzi wrote on Friday. "Bulls lead executive Bryson Graham was part of the Atlanta Hawks front office that traded for Kuminga last season, and a reunion was welcomed in Chicago with the understanding Kuminga wouldn't displace the prioritized chips in the rebuild.

"Per that source, the Bulls wouldn't promise Kuminga he'd start or close games most nights, considering the franchise's most coveted young talents are also forwards. This is to say nothing of Kuminga's playstyle or decision-making reputation. In a role and contract considerate of those things, Chicago was willing to take a swing at his talent."

The 23-year-old Kuminga is entering his sixth NBA season. He spent his first four-plus years with the Golden State Warriors, who selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Golden State traded Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks last February.

Last season, Kuminga posted 12.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He played 36 games and averaged 23.1 minutes per game during a season when the Warriors dropped him of the rotation in December. Kuminga also dealt with a bone bruise and hyperextended left knee.

He's now in Minnesota, where he'll get an opportunity to play significant minutes at forward, especially after the team traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets.

Kuminga's agent, Aaron Turner, believes that taking a shorter deal now (two years, $12.4 million with a 2027-28 player option) sets his client up for a much more lucrative deal in the 2027 free agent market.

He also explained why he feels Minnesota is the best fit.

Ultimately, Kuminga values his spot and role in the rotation, which seems why Chicago, despite the interest, didn't land him. Of course, things can certainly change next summer if Kuminga lands on the free agent market again.