Chicago Bulls executive VP of basketball operations Bryson Graham hasn't been shy about his love for players with size, length, athleticism and physicality. Jonathan Kuminga fits that archetype to a T, and Graham may want to revisit a move for the Atlanta Hawks forward as he remains stuck in restricted free agency limbo.
Kuminga and the Bulls have been linked going back to the organization's previous regime, and Graham was rumored to have interest in the former G League Ignite star earlier this summer.
At that time, it seemed like an awkward roster fit — and it still may be. But as the suitors for Kuminga continue to dwindle, taking a flier on a still-young player with untapped upside could be worth the gamble.
Another team drops out of the Jonathan Kuminga race
The Los Angeles Lakers were perhaps in pole position to land Kuminga, but, per Dan Woike of The Athletic (subscription required), "momentum has stalled" on a sign-and-trade deal with the Hawks.
The Lakers were reportedly interested in adding Kuminga in a move that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and draft picks to Atlanta, but are now hesitant to "push significant draft capital" into a deal, according to Woike.
Now, with LA reportedly signing Matisse Thybulle just days after acquiring swingman Ziaire Williams, the Lakers have likely taken themselves out of the running for Kuminga.
Woike mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers as another potential landing spot for the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, though the Bulls could re-enter the race as the Hawks presumably prepare to slap the "clearance" sticker on Kuminga.
Kuminga would be worth a gamble for the Bulls
The ex-Warriors forward has all the physical tools Graham looks for in a player. He's 6-foot-7 and a shredded 225 pounds with explosive athleticism and a 6-foot-11 wingspan.
For those keeping track, that gives Kuminga Size, Length and Athleticism.
His offensive game is (mostly) predicated on using that size and strength to get to the rim — so he plays with Physicality.
What's keeping Kuminga from becoming a consistent player, at least from the outside, seems to be a disconnect between who teams want him to be and who he thinks he is. The Warriors and Kuminga were at odds about his role: Golden State saw a potentially elite role player, while he saw a featured scorer.
Would that still be an issue in Chicago?
While he would likely come off the bench behind Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, Kuminga's ability to get to the rim and thrive in transition would mesh well with what the Bulls want to do under new head coach Tiago Splitter.
And it's not like the team has any elite scorers or shot creators, so he would get his chance to cook on certain nights. He's a significantly better offensive player than Wilson or fellow rookie Dailyn Swain at this point.
Isn't it worth finding out as long as the price is right?
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