The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are exploring a notable trade proposal involving Jonathan Kuminga, with the potential for a three-team deal that would also include the Charlotte Hornets. As the NBA offseason progresses, this Jonathan Kuminga trade proposal involving Warriors and Bulls continues to attract attention due to its complex player and pick exchanges, and its impact on both teams’ roster structures going forward.
Jonathan Kuminga’s Challenging Season Spurs Trade Discussions
Jonathan Kuminga, a promising 22-year-old forward for the Warriors, has experienced fluctuations in his performance over his four-year career. Although previously showing potential as a cornerstone player post-Stephen Curry’s era, Kuminga’s recent 2024-25 season saw significant declines. His field goal percentage and three-point accuracy dropped to career lows, and an ankle injury limited him to 47 games with just 10 starts. This downturn led to reduced playing time during the playoffs, intensifying trade rumors surrounding the Congolese forward.
The Warriors find themselves at a crossroads with their young talent. Despite Stephen Curry’s confirmed return for the 2025-26 season and Jimmy Butler’s likely presence alongside him, Golden State’s roster remains uncertain. Head coach Steve Kerr faces decisions on how to balance experience and emerging talent as the summer approaches.
Details of the Proposed Three-Team Trade
Basketball analyst Eric Pincus outlined a sign-and-trade proposal that would send Kuminga to Chicago, while involving multiple players and draft picks exchanged between the Warriors, Bulls, and Hornets. The trade would unfold as follows:
– Bulls acquire Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State
– Hornets receive Jevon Carter from Chicago and Moses Moody from Golden State
– Warriors get Jalen Smith and Lonzo Ball from Chicago, Josh Okogie from Charlotte, plus a series of protected draft choices: a 2026 first-round pick from Portland (via Chicago), and second-round picks in 2029 from Denver and Charlotte, as well as 2031 second-round picks from Phoenix and Charlotte
This proposal is not the first time the Bulls have been involved in potential Kuminga trades. Previous reports, including those from Michael Scotto of Hoopshype and Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, have connected Chicago with the young forward via sign-and-trade scenarios, sometimes linked with Lonzo Ball moving the other direction.
Despite trade talks, Kuminga is also expected to negotiate a lucrative contract extension this offseason, which could still be with Golden State depending on how negotiations unfold.
Why Lonzo Ball Could Complement the Warriors’ Core
Eric Pincus elaborated on why the Warriors acquiring Ball would fit well alongside their established stars. Golden State faces salary cap challenges and structural roster depth issues if they retain Kuminga without sacrificing assets or incurring penalties linked to salary aprons.
“On the premise that the Warriors can’t functionally afford Kuminga without sacrificing depth, filling out the rest of the roster with minimum players and/or getting hit by second-apron penalties like frozen draft picks, the question becomes ‘where’ more than ‘why.’ While Kuminga is talented, not many teams have the means to acquire a player via sign-and-trade. Higher-spending teams can’t, and rebuilding teams would be hesitant to make that kind of outlay,”
—Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report analyst
“If Chicago is the team willing to step up, it’s a question of the return. If the Warriors send out Kuminga just above $30 million, they only get credit for sending out half of that in trade ($15 million). The inclusion of Moody has more to do with avoiding aprons, retaining depth and choosing players from whom the coach got more in the playoffs (Hield, Payton, etc.). Ball has struggled to stay healthy but is an incredible fit alongside the Warriors’ stars. He plays defense, moves the ball and can catch-and-shoot. The team could also use an athletic big in Smith, who didn’t fit in with Chicago. A year prior, Smith shot 42.4 percent from three-point range for the Indiana Pacers. He has good size (6’10) but is mobile at 215 pounds. Okogie is still young (turning 27 before the season) and is a smart, experienced wing defender.”
—Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report analyst
Ball, selected second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, has struggled with injuries but demonstrated he can still contribute effectively when healthy. After missing two full seasons because of knee issues, he appeared in 35 games last season for the Bulls, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over about 22 minutes per game, with reliable shooting percentages. His ability to defend, distribute, and shoot would address key needs for the Warriors’ lineup.
Potential Outcomes and Impact on the Warriors and Bulls
Should this trade materialize, the Warriors would obtain frontline depth and veteran support through players like Lonzo Ball and Jalen Smith, alongside valuable future draft picks. Chicago, by adding Kuminga, would acquire a dynamic young forward with upside who could thrive if fully healthy. Meanwhile, the Hornets would gain experienced role players Jevon Carter and Moses Moody to help their roster depth.
For Golden State, making this move could ease salary cap constraints while reshaping a roster preparing for the post-Curry era. For Chicago, Kuminga represents an opportunity to inject youth and athleticism into their squad, potentially accelerating their competitive window. The next steps include contract negotiations and front-office deliberations around salary and roster balance.