Insider Reveals Why Jonathan Kuminga Did Not Sign with Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls swung and missed on several key free agents this offseason, including forward Jonathan Kuminga, guard Bennedict Mathurin and wing Peyton Watson. While Mathurin and Watson were restricted free agents who required trade compensation to be acquired, Kuminga had no such limitations, and the Bulls were one of his top options.

Ultimately, the 23-year-old former top-10 pick decided to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year, $12.4 million contract that features a player option, rather than the Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. When asked about his choice on Friday, Kuminga said he wanted to be a part of a winning culture, which he'll get in Minnesota. The Timberwolves have reached at least the second round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

The connection between Chicago and the 6-foot-7 wing/forward was clear. New Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham acquired Kuminga while he was the lead decision-maker for the Atlanta Hawks at last season's trade deadline, sending big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors while also receiving veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield.

However, negotiations didn't pan out. According to insider Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, the Bulls wouldn't promise that Kuminga would start or close on most nights. Given the franchise's young talent at similar positions — rookie No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson, rising star Matas Buzelis, sophomore lottery pick Noa Essengue, 22-year-old Leonard Miller — it would've been hard to guarantee Kuminga the consistent playing time he wanted.

Kuminga instead ended up in Minnesota to fill a much-needed role at small forward. LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert are slated to fill four of the Timberwolves' five starting spots, and Kuminga's presence allows Minnesota to rely on Ayo Dosunmu's scoring off the bench.

In 36 games last season between Atlanta and Golden State, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor and 33.3% from three. He came off the bench for six playoff appearances with the Hawks, playing 26 minutes an outing.

The Bulls still only have 14 players on their active roster, with one spot remaining open. Chicago is one of three NBA teams that currently have cap space — along with the Grizzlies and the Nets — and will likely look to use their flexibility below the tax and the first apron to facilitate deals with opposing franchises.