Young Warriors star becomes obvious Heat trade target after going unextended

It's a shame that the Golden State Warriors and fourth-year potential star Jonathan Kuminga couldn't reach a contract extension agreement before Monday night's deadline.

A shame for the Warriors, but not for the other 29 teams in the association that will monitor the situation. If he's truly not part of the Warriors' plans, the Miami Heat need to keep their ears to the ground.

After the Warriors failed to extend Jonathan Kuminga, the Heat could look at him as a potential trade target.

Kuminga is an explosive 6-foot-8 wing who claims he's on the trajectory oKawhi Leonard or Pascal Siakam. The statistics suggest he's not that far off. Leonard didn't average 16 PPG until his fourth season, and Siakam achieved it in his third year—just like Kuminga. These three players were blessed to play besides all-time greats at the beginning of their careers: Kawhi with the Spurs dynasty, Siakam with Kawhi (funnily enough), and Kuminga with Stephen Curry. These wings all tasted team success early, but Leonard and Siakam eventually proved they were stars.

It doesn't look like Kuminga will get the chance to prove he's a star in Golden State. The Warriors didn't extend him this season, and there are questions about Kuminga's role (although The Athletic reported he will start in Wednesday's season opener).

Starting isn't the end all be all, but the Warriors don't seem to know if Kuminga is in their long-term plans. Kuminga will now be a restricted free agent at the end of the year, meaning the Warriors could match any offer he gets. But would they match a big-time offer if he isn't in their plans?

2018's top pick, DeAndre Ayton, thought he was getting out of Phoenix when he signed with the Pacers in the 2022 offseason. The Suns had other ideas as they matched the Pacers' four-year max deal worth $133 million. That's usually what happens when players hit restricted free agency— teams don't enjoy losing their players for nothing. I can see the Warriors doing the same thing with Kuminga this summer.

Kuminga's potential fit in Miami

Kuminga would be a decent fit in Miami on paper. He has a Heat Culture mentality. He's a dog, but there is a reason why the Warriors aren't jumping at the chance to commit big money to him. His jump shot is streaky, to say the least, and he ball-watches on defense. Kuminga has the physical profile to be a menacing defender, he just has to put it all together.

What's there to like, you ask? Kuminga is a freakish athlete with a sick vertical. In 46 starts, Kuminga averaged 17 PPG and five boards. Consider that he played second fiddle to a legend and with a coach who's never fully embraced him. Kuminga had to publicly speak about his lack of playing time to get a substantial burn last year. If you put him with Erik Spoelstra, he'd surely get the most out of Kuminga.

Every team in the league will be watching the Warriors to see how they're moving. Kuminga is the best of the young players who didn't get a rookie-scale extension before the start of this season. He'd be a nice addition to a Heat roster that doesn't have a player his size with his blend of athleticism and toughness.

It'll be tough for the Heat to acquire Kuminga through free agency because of their cap situation and the Warriors' ability to match the deal. The pathway for Kuminga to join the Heat is through a summertime sign and trade.