The Chicago Bulls, mired in a three-year postseason drought, are poised to make a splash this offseason with a proposed three-team trade that would bring Golden State Warriors’ 2022 champion Jonathan Kuminga to the Windy City. The blockbuster deal, outlined by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, involves the Warriors and the Charlotte Hornets and aims to shake up the rosters of all three franchises as the 2025 NBA offseason approaches.
The Trade Breakdown
In the proposed trade, the Bulls would acquire forward Jonathan Kuminga, a rising star who becomes a restricted free agent this summer. The Warriors, in return, would receive Lonzo Ball, Jalen Smith, Josh Okogie, a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers (via Chicago), and a haul of second-round picks: a 2029 pick from the Hornets, a 2029 Denver Nuggets pick (via Hornets), a 2031 pick from the Hornets, and a 2031 Phoenix Suns pick (via Hornets). Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets would land Warriors guard Moses Moody and Bulls guard Jevon Carter.
The trade, as noted by Pincus, must wait until July 6, when Kuminga can sign a new contract starting at $30.4 million. The financial mechanics are complex: Charlotte would use its non-taxpayer mid-level exception to absorb Carter, leaving a $7.3 million balance and triggering a first-apron hard cap. The Bulls would also face a first-apron hard cap by acquiring Kuminga via a sign-and-trade, while the Warriors would be hard-capped at the second apron due to aggregating players in the deal.
Why Kuminga to Chicago Makes Sense
Kuminga, who turns 23 in October, brings youth, athleticism, and championship pedigree to a Bulls team desperate for a spark. The 6-foot-7 small forward averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 47 games this season, shooting 45.4% from the field, 30.5% from three, and 66.8% from the free-throw line. While his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, Kuminga’s ability to attack the rim and defend multiple positions makes him a versatile fit for Chicago’s rebuilding roster.
The Bulls, who missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2024-25, have struggled to find consistency since their last postseason appearance in 2022. Kuminga could serve as a cornerstone piece alongside young talents like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, providing a dynamic scoring presence and defensive tenacity. His championship experience with the Warriors in 2022 adds a winning mentality to a franchise looking to turn the corner.
What the Warriors Gain
For Golden State, the trade offers a mix of immediate help and future assets. Lonzo Ball, despite injury concerns, brings playmaking and defensive versatility when healthy. Jalen Smith adds frontcourt depth, while Josh Okogie provides wing defense. The 2026 first-rounder and multiple second-round picks give the Warriors flexibility to retool around Steph Curry, who suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Game 1 of the Warriors’ second-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024-25. With Curry missing the rest of that series, Golden State fell in five games, underscoring the need for additional depth to remain competitive in the West.
Charlotte’s Role
The Hornets, meanwhile, acquire Moses Moody and Jevon Carter to bolster their young core. Moody, a 23-year-old guard with untapped potential, could thrive in a larger role in Charlotte. Carter, a veteran point guard, brings leadership and defensive grit to a developing Hornets squad looking to build around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
The Bigger Picture
This trade signals a potential shift for all three teams. For the Bulls, landing Kuminga represents a bold step toward rebuilding a competitive roster. The Warriors, facing a second-apron hard cap, gain assets to navigate their financial constraints while staying in the championship hunt. Charlotte, still in the early stages of a rebuild, adds young talent and a veteran presence to complement its core.
As the 2025 NBA Finals wrap up and the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Kuminga’s contract negotiations and whether this proposed trade comes to fruition. If it does, Chicago may finally have the “big fish” it needs to swim back into playoff contention.