After years of mediocrity, the Chicago Bulls need to make a bold move this offseason. Rather than securing Josh Giddey, a rising star who had a breakout season with the team, the Bulls should take a risk and pursue Jonathan Kuminga, a forward for the Golden State Warriors.
While Giddey showed impressive growth, especially after the All-Star break, where he averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, it’s clear that he’s not the long-term centerpiece Chicago needs. That role should be filled by Kuminga, who possesses the superstar potential that could elevate the franchise.
On May 10, Kuminga displayed his explosive talent with the best performance of his career in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the Golden State Warriors losing, Kuminga’s 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks showcased his elite athleticism and all-around game. Unlike Giddey, Kuminga has the size, strength, and explosiveness to become a true star. The 21-year-old has been somewhat held back in Golden State due to limited opportunities behind veteran players, but he’s already proven his worth on the biggest stages, including the Warriors’ 2021 NBA Championship team.
Kuminga’s numbers speak for themselves. In just 21.5 minutes per game over his career, he has posted per-36 minute averages of 20.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, demonstrating his immense potential. In contrast, while Giddey is an excellent passer and rebounder, he doesn’t have the same game-changing abilities as Kuminga.
What makes Kuminga an even more attractive option for the Bulls is his fit within the team’s current structure. Alongside other young talents like Coby White and Matas Buzelis, Kuminga would give Chicago the athleticism and defensive versatility they desperately need. The pairing of Kuminga with Buzelis, a promising 6’10” forward, could transform the Bulls into a more formidable defensive unit, an area where they have struggled in recent seasons.
The Bulls face a critical decision. They could re-sign Giddey for around $20-$30 million annually, maintaining a solid but unspectacular core, or take a risk and extend a similar deal to Kuminga, whose upside is far greater. Kuminga’s ability to break down defenses, like his recent performance against the Timberwolves, gives the Bulls a dimension that Giddey simply can’t provide.
While Kuminga may be more expensive, the Bulls have the cap space to make a move. A starting lineup featuring White, Ayo Dosunmu, Kuminga, Buzelis, and Nikola Vucevic could be a perfect balance of defense, scoring, and athleticism. With the right adjustments and a few key trades, the Bulls could be in prime position to contend.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Jonathan Kuminga is the better choice for the Bulls. His recent playoff performance makes the decision easy, and now it’s time for Chicago to take a bold step forward in reshaping their future.
