Warriors face rival threat that could steer them from Jonathan Kuminga nightmare

While Jonathan Kuminga remains at a stand-still in contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors, the possibility of the young forward accepting the $7.9 million qualifying offer still exists until October 1.

Turning down significantly more guaranteed money may be a major risk for Kuminga to take, but it may actually be the Warriors who need to blink first in this current staring contest that's now approaching the six-week mark.

The Bulls are already a threat to sign Jonathan Kuminga next offseason

Taking the qualifying offer would allow Kuminga to take control of his own destiny as an unrestricted free agent in 2026, even if Golden State can maintain hold of his playing time and role between now and then.

The Chicago Bulls have been one of the teams linked to a sign-and-trade for Kuminga this offseason, yet their hopes of pulling that off have been hindered by their own restricted free agency situation with Josh Giddey (who ironically the Warriors have interest in).

Pairing Giddey and Kuminga together may still be on the table for the Bulls, but in 12 months time rather than this offseason. NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported on Sunday that Chicago could be an early threat to sign the Golden State forward should he take the qualifying offer and become a free agent next year.a