Jonathan Kuminga is one of the most interesting storylines to follow this offseason. During his four-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga has shown he can be a valuable contributor. But he was never given a consistent role. After four years, it seems like both sides are ready to part ways. Notably, Kuminga is a restricted free agent. According to some reports, the Miami Heat are closely monitoring the Kuminga situation and would love to get him.
New Jonathan Kuminga Suitor Just Emerged
The Miami Heat have always tried to land big names. However, after missing out on Kevin Durant, they are now trying to pivot to another potential star. Kuminga fits their timeline better, as he is three years younger than Tyler Herro and five years younger than Bam Adebayo. He is close to the age of their young players like Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez, Nikola Jovic, and Davion Mitchell.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Miami Heat have legitimate interest in the young forward. The Brooklyn Nets are another team, but they used a large part of their cap space during Tuesday’s trades. If the Heat landed Kuminga, it would have to be via a sign-and-trade.
This past season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 45.4% shooting from the floor. He is not a good three-point shooter and operates best as a slasher and driver at the rim. In Miami, there are plenty of three-point shooters who can open up the floor for him to operate.
Heat Warriors Trade Part 2
The Heat and the Warriors executed one of the biggest trades at last season’s trade deadline. Jimmy Butler went to the Warriors, and Andrew Wiggins ended up in Miami. At the time, a lot of people expected Kuminga to be part of the deal. Eventually, he remained with the Warriors.
Now, it seems like the Heat might have some remorse because they didn’t get him. The irony is that in order to land Kuminga in a sign-and-trade, the Heat might have to send Wiggins and/or Kyle Anderson back, two former players included in the Butler trade.
Jonathan Kuminga and the Miami Heat are a Perfect Pairing
Kuminga will be entering his fifth year. He was drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NBA draft. Josh Giddey, who was also in the 2021 draft, hasn’t signed a contract extension. But Giddey showed promise in his first year in Chicago and feels poised to re-sign on a sizable deal. Kuminga is in a similar situation. Giddey didn’t get a lot of chances to prove himself in Oklahoma City. While in Chicago, he is on a losing team, he managed to show he can be a worthy player and will probably sign a large contract this summer.
Kuminga has yet to get a real chance to showcase his skills. In Miami, he will play for a great coach and organization that knows how to get the maximum out of their guys. Jonathan will also get the ball more in his hands. While Herro is the primary ball handler, and the offense sometimes runs through Adebayo, the Heat do not employ a system in which everything runs through Steph Curry.
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