The Chicago Bulls are already on the short list for a player who isn’t even in town yet. Jonathan Kuminga just signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his agent is already looking at a move to the Windy City for next summer. It sounds crazy to plan a trade or free agency two years out, but the numbers say this is the smart play.
A Better Market Awaits
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, told Chandler Parsons on FanDuel TV that the timing is perfect for a big payday. Turner explained that while the current deal looks small, it gives Kuminga control over his future. “I would say on paper, next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free-agency year for him,” Turner said. The reason is simple: money. There are plenty of teams with cash to spend, and the Bulls are one of them.
Turner explicitly identified the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls as the two squads under his close observation. These squads have a lot of money next year. That financial flexibility puts them in a position to make a move. Although the 2027 board favors Kuminga significantly, securing entry into that market remains essential for him. A player option in his current contract lets him decide if he wants to be in that market. That is a big deal for controlling future earnings.
The Bulls Have a Choice to Make
Chicago is in a tricky spot. The team only has 14 players projected for the active roster as September nears. Prior to his Minnesota signing, new head executive Bryson Graham was reportedly interested in Kuminga. Now that the player is gone, the pool of good free agents is much thinner. If Graham wants to fill all 15 roster spots, he has limited options left.
Adding a 15th player might just provide veteran mentorship, but it could hurt the team’s financial flexibility. In the era of the second apron, the Bulls need to keep their options open. They can absorb bad contracts or add draft capital if they have an empty spot. Graham has emphasized how much he values financial flexibility. This is especially important at this stage of the rebuild. With ample cap space available, the franchise is positioned to execute wise transactions down the line.
The Lakers missed out on Kuminga too, and they are now looking at Bulls big man Jalen Smith as an alternative. California Post reporter Khobi Price identified Smith as a potential target. At a salary of $9, Smith is now approaching the final year of his agreement.43 million. He shot 37.3% from 3 on 4.2 attempts per game last season. That is real stretch-five volume. If the Bulls trade him, they get younger assets like Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht plus a 2033 second-round pick. If they keep him, they have a backup big who might leave for nothing next summer.
While playing for Minnesota, Kuminga must allow his statistics to advocate for him. A good production season means a better chance of striking a deal. A subpar performance year will create a situation similar to the current one. The Bulls can wait. They have the cash and the plan. The only thing left to do is watch the numbers.
