The Miami Heat Are Favorites To Acquire Jonathan Kuminga
According to Bovada, the Heat are +200 favorites to sign the forward
After a controversial season, the Miami Heat met their demise when they got swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.
But, unlike recent summers, which followed shortcomings, the Heat seem ready to make changes. According to the online sportsbook Bovada, they are +200 favorites to acquire Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga’s desire for a better opportunity
Kuminga had an interesting beginning to his career.
After graduating from The Patrick School, a four-year high school, he bypassed college to join the G-League Ignite program for one year. Following that, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft, where he was selected seventh overall by the Warriors.
During his first two years in the league, Kuminga only averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. However, his numbers increased significantly, allowing him to have his best season statistically. In the 2023-24 campaign, he averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds, both career highs.
Despite the improvement shown, Kuminga’s opportunities were limited this season. Although he dealt with an ankle injury, the acquisition of Jimmy Butler trimmed his playing time. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds this season, playing in a career-low 47 games.
Miami would gladly welcome Kuminga
Despite the Heat's off-court challenges hindering their achievements this year, their performances on the court inflamed the situation.
While they were a decent defensive team, they performed poorly on offense. This season, they only averaged 110.6 points while logging an offensive rating of 113.5. Considering his improvement as a scorer, Kuminga would help on that end of the floor.
Acquiring Kuminga would also give the Heat a young player they can continue to enhance. For many years, Miami was known for having one of the best player development systems in the league. While Kuminga has improved as a scorer, his playmaking and off-ball defense skills need an upgrade.
If the Heat do pursue Kuminga, it could get challenging. Though he is at the end of his four-year rookie contract with the Warriors, he is a restricted free agent. Miami might have to go through a sign-and-trade with the Warriors, allowing them to re-sign Kuminga before sending him to Miami.
Although the Heat may face challenges, the outcome will ultimately be worthwhile.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson