Ever since the Golden State Warriors drafted Jonathan Kuminga in 2021, he’s made progress, but not enough for the team to commit to him past his rookie contract.
While it’s not a sure thing that Kuminga will leave, some teams probably suit Kuminga better than the Warriors. Whether it’s because of his skillset or youth, these five teams best fit the 22-year-old.
The 5 Best Destinations for Jonathan Kuminga
Utah Jazz
It seems that the Jazz are embracing their youth. However, their most impressive youngsters are exclusively in their guard and big man rotation. They don’t really have a young wing in the mix. For that reason, Kuminga would fit quite well.
For Utah to build the right way, getting someone with title experience also couldn’t hurt. They also have veterans to dangle to Golden State if the Warriors want to get the most value out of Kuminga.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are also rebuilding, but they would have an interesting mentor for Kuminga in Khris Middleton. Is Kuminga anything like Middleton was in his prime? Of course not, but Middleton could perhaps help Kuminga’s shooter become a little respectable without compromising his slashing game.
Perhaps even more intriguing is reuniting with former Warriors teammate Jordan Poole. The Wizards could use that continuity to take their next step forward in their rebuild.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings really need defense and positional versatility. Doing so could get them back into the playoffs at the very least. While Kuminga is not exactly All-Defense material, he is a step up over who they have, particularly in their frontcourt.
He may also benefit from playing next to an offensively sound trio of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan. Kuminga’s slashing could complement them in a way, though it’d be hard to pinpoint how exactly.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are entering their next chapter, and while they’ve been pretty mediocre, what could help them is having a slasher next to some of their most promising players like Coby White and Josh Giddey. Kuminga arguably fits their timeline better than on a rebuilding team since he has experience.
The Bulls are in a spot where it’s probably best to add talented young players that don’t necessarily need too much time in the oven to become the players they can be. Kuminga has come along somewhat nicely over the past year or so. He may not be a star, but he would be a step in the right direction for Chicago.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns aren’t technically in a rebuild, but it’s safe to assume they are probably headed that way when they make some moves. Adding a young wing like Kuminga could really help the team with its versatility, which they have definitely lacked over the past two seasons.
Kuminga gives them a youth infusion and someone who can interchangeably play both forward positions. Phoenix’s immediate future is kind of bleak. Kuminga doesn’t save that by himself, but he could somewhat put their mind at ease.
