Jonathan Kuminga's newest free agency suitor should thrill Warriors

Update: Kuminga has now signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves appeared the last two suitors for Jonathan Kuminga in free agency, but a new team has emerged in the race for the former Golden State Warriors forward who remains unsigned toward the end of August.

The Chicago Bulls were previously linked to Kuminga in sign-and-trade negotiations with the Warriors last season, yet haven't been mentioned as a possible destination this summer. That was until Wednesday with the Bulls joining the conversation in a move that should thrill Golden State given their presence in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls interest in Jonathan Kuminga should thrill Warriors

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "the Bulls are involved in Jonathan Kuminga's process to a real degree, in addition to Lakers, Wolves." This would represent a far more desirable outcome for the Warriors who have undoubtedly been anxious about their former seventh overall pick developing and having real impact for a Western Conference rival.

It's partly why Golden State were so adamant in swatting away interest from the Phoenix Suns and most notably the Sacramento Kings during Kuminga's restricted free agency last year, and why they ultimately traded him out East to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis at February's mid-season deadline.

The Lakers, in particular, would give Kuminga the opportunity to earn some revenge on the Warriors as a close divisional rival, with the two teams set to meet in an opening night showdown on October 21, along with an NBA Cup battle the following week.

The Lakers and Timberwolves would also provide Kuminga a chance to make real impact on a playoff-contending team, as opposed to the Bulls who are building a nice young core but are unlikely to make the top 10 in a deep conference.

Jonathan Kuminga should favor Lakers or Timberwolves over Bulls

It's not only the playoff factor that should have Kuminga leaning towards the Lakers or Timberwolves, but also the role that's likely to present itself as both West teams have vacant forward spots that the 23-year-old could walk into.

The Bulls, in contrast, will assuredly prioritize the development of Matas Buzelis and especially fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson, leaving Kuminga as a third forward at best and in a bench role on a team that won't be very good. That's not the type of situation that's going to get him a big pay day next summer if he only signs a one-year prove it contract.

Nonetheless, Chicago's interest in Kuminga is an interesting development and would be preferable for Golden State as they undoubtedly retain an eye in how the young forward's career pans out.

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