Miami Heat: Smoke surrounding Jonathan Kuminga interest continues to wane

For most of the offseason, the Miami Heat have been, in some shape or form, linked to Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga.

It has taken time for the 22-year-old’s market to materialize because few teams had any cap space available to poach him away in restricted free agency. The possibility of the Heat acquiring him became more theoretical than practical because of not only the Heat’s perceived interest–which was never that strong, according to reports–but their current roster situation, paired with the base year compensation complications needed for a deal to be completed.

Though the latest report from Warriors insider Anthony Slater appears to be that the Heat continue to be on the outside-looking-in on the pursuit of Kuminga, even though they’re name is still being floated in the bunch.

“The Washington Wizards entered the mix in the last 24 hours, and the idea of Kuminga as a possible fit in Washington’s rebuild has gained real momentum, according to league sources,” Slater’s report read. “The Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets have also registered varying levels of interest, league sources said.

“Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, are in search of a situation where Kuminga will be a featured part of the core with the belief of the franchise and coaching staff behind him. That isn’t something Kuminga has consistently felt in his four years with the Warriors and — holding a degree of agency for the first time in his professional career — he’s in patient pursuit of a situation that matches his ambitions.

“That could mean the process drags deeper into July. There’s a tentative plan for face-to-face meetings between Kuminga and prospective suitors in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League, should the process extend that far.

“The Golden State Warriors, according to league sources, have been searching for a promising young player plus a first-round pick in return for Kuminga, should they ultimately choose to part with him in a sign-and-trade scenario.”

Kuminga is arguably the best free agent available, as are Quentin Grimes and Josh Giddey (two RFAs), Damian Lillard (who will be 35, will miss most of next season with a torn Achilles) and Malik Beasley (entrenched in a gambling scandal).

Slater notes that the two sides could agree for the 6-foot-7 to return to the Bay. Though they will be allocating 90 percent of the cap to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, with Kuminga on the outside-looking-in up until Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury in early May. While there’s no questioning his potential, Kuminga was also never a stylistic fit in Golden State’s offense, making a possible return all the more questionable.

The 22-year-old is reportedly looking for upwards of $30 million per year, which could be a steep price if the Heat are looking to “buy low” on him, even with the impending cap raise. What would you be willing to give up for the Warriors’ restricted free agent? Let us know in the comments!

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