Back when the Miami Heat was originally exploring the initial trade market for Jimmy Butler, shortly after he had requested a trade away from the team, there was strong speculation that they would be interested in a return that included Jonathan Kuminga. In the end, it doesn't seem as if the Golden State Warriors were willing to include Kuminga in the final deal, and the Heat settled for a package without him.
Because of that theoretical interest, there has been some added speculation that the Heat could revisit their inquiries into Kuminga as he prepares to test restricted free agency this summer. While I'd advise the Heat against such a move, it's certainly a possibility as Miami explores how to further improve the roster.
Thankfully, though, a new rumor could end up saving the Heat from themselves. According to a recent report from Warriors reporter Anthony Slater, the Warriors and Kuminga are both open to a contract extension this offseason.
Even though it seemed, especially with the way the season ended for Kuminga, that a divorce between the two was a foregone conclusion, it does appear as if that narrative was a bit overblown.
Jonathan Kuminga is not the right trade target for the Heat
As a restricted free agent, the Warriors are going to have final say on Kuminga's future either way. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Warriors will have an opportunity to match it. If he wants to sign with a team that doesn't have enough cap space to sign him outright, the Warriors will have to help facilitate a sign-and-trade.
Considering the hurdles that exist between Kuminga and a new team, a return to the Warriors may not seem that outlandish after all.
While Miami should be pursuing avenues toward upgrading its roster, Kuminga is probably one risk they should avoid. He's a talented young player, but very much still unproven. Especially considering that he's expected to sign a rich deal this offseason, any team that signs him would be taking a huge risk.
If Miami is deadset on trying to build around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, which is another important conversation for another day, acquiring a player who is far from a guarantee is not the way to go. It's one thing to offer valuable assets for a proven star like Kevin Durant. It's an entirely different situation to trade assets for a player that still hasn't proven himself as a star in the league.
There's a chance that the Heat acquires Kuminga, and he makes the jump to stardom. At the same time, there's also a scenario in which Miami signs and trades for Kuminga, and he turns out to be a free-agent bust.
This is a risk that Miami doesn't necessarily need to make, and the Warriors' re-signing Kuminga will save the Heat from a possible unforgivable mistake that could end up setting this franchise back another couple of years.