Jonathan Kuminga may have had a strong debut for the Atlanta Hawks, but that doesn't mean that the Miami Heat still didn't dodge a potential disaster had they traded for him. It's hard to imagine how he would've been a good fit for the Heat with how their roster is currently constructed.
Plus, I'm not sure if the Heat would've been so willing to give him the extension he's going to be lined up for. All in all, while Kuminga may have impressed during his first game with the Hawks, it's probably best that the Heat didn't make such a gamble.
Kuminga finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 9-12 shooting from the field, but that doesn't mean the Heat should regret their decision not to make a trade for the young wing.
Jonathan Kuminga would've been an awkward fit in Miami
Despite his strong showing in his debut, Kuminga would've been a difficult fit next to Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel'el Ware. Plus, if history is any indication, it's going to be difficult for Kuminga to keep up this level of play.
Additionally, trading for Kuminga came with the likelihood of another price tag - the eventual contract extension that they'll have to give him after next season. After a team option for next season, Kuminga will be an unrestricted free agent.
The Heat expressed some interest in Kuminga last offseason, but nothing materialized beyond that. Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, it was reported that the Heat had some interest still. In the end, however, the Hawks ended up stepping up with an offer that made sense for the Golden State Warriors.
Even though Kuminga was had for a relatively low price (Kristaps Porzingis), it's hard to imagine that he would've been a seamless fit for the Heat's current roster, and where they are hopefully building to.
Kuminga was a solid buy low risk for the Hawks, but, at least in the moment, it just didn't feel right for the Heat. And his strong debut shouldn't change their feelings about it.
Could there be a chance that Kuminga evolves into a star player for the Hawks? Absolutely, and maybe a fresh start is exactly what he needed. But we're still far away from the Heat expressing much regret about their decision to sit out the Kuminga pursuit.
With all due respect to Kuminga, the Heat has its eyes on bigger targets. And one strong debut from Kuminga isn't going to move them.