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Insider shares the Chicago Bulls tried to acquire Jonathan Kuminga in a trade involving Alex Caruso

At least the Bulls gave it a shot.

Stephen Beslic

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Bulls did nothing at the trade deadline for the third year in a row. However, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported that the Bulls tried to swing a deal for the Golden State Warriors’ talented forward Jonathan Kuminga, but talks did not prosper past the initial stage.

Advances denied

The Bulls have long maintained it would take a generous offer to pry prized guard Alex Caruso away from them. One player the Bulls would have considered moving Caruso for was Kuminga, the Warriors’ third-year pro who has turned a corner this season and is averaging 15.4 points on 53 percent shooting and 4.7 rebounds. However, Johnson reported the Bulls’ advances were denied.

“In exploratory trade talks with the Golden State Warriors centered on Caruso, league sources said the Bulls inquired about Jonathan Kuminga's availability. That was rebuffed, and the Bulls made clear in talks with all teams that they didn't want to trade Caruso, especially for a package on perhaps other young pieces like Moses Moody, so they'd need to be floored by an offer to do so,” Johnson wrote.

Talks involved Drummond and DeRozan

Johnson also shared that the Bulls’ front office received calls from teams inquiring about veterans Andre Drummond and DeMar DeRozan. However, those inquiries did not progress as the day passed, and other teams completed deals.

“In addition to Caruso, Johnson noted that the Bulls also fielded calls on center Andre Drummond and had "some cursory conversations" about veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. However, the market for both players dwindled when other deals were completed,” Johnson shared.

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Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

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