The Bucks had a very quiet trade deadline, and they may have missed out on one ideal target in Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga had been embroiled in a long-lasting standoff with the Golden State Warriors but was eventually dealt to the Atlanta Hawks for an injury-prone Kristaps Porziņģis. The Bucks missed out on an opportunity to trade for him.
That move could end up being costly, as Kuminga had the potential to raise the Bucks’ ceiling for this season and next. He already flashed his skill set in his debut with the Hawks, scoring an efficient 27 points (9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 from three) and contributing across the board. He also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
The Bucks should’ve traded for Jonathan Kuminga
Milwaukee may have been so distracted by their ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga that they didn’t sufficiently explore options for other upgrades. Bobby Portis was mentioned in plenty of rumors, some of which could have involved Kuminga, a name they did have interest in.
Portis has been solid for the Bucks, especially from three point land, but there’s a very clear ceiling to his play. On the other hand, Kuminga has loads of untapped potential that were just waiting for a change of scenery. He butted heads with the Warriors coaches and front office which held him back in Golden State, but those problems don’t have to exist on a new team. And he’s already taking advantage in Atlanta.
At his best, Kuminga profiles as a fierce slasher who can finish through contact and break down defenses for shooters. He actually could’ve been a perfect fit for the current Bucks with Giannis injured. In this state, Milwaukee lacks consistent rim pressure, and that’s where Kuminga can shine.
Defensively, Kuminga is more of a question mark. He has the athletic tools to be great on that end, but hasn’t shown reliable effort. However, that can also change in a new home with different coaching and a reinvigorated drive to prove himself.
As we approach the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks need to tally some wins just to make the postseason. At the same time, they’re desperately searching for any glimmers that can make them a scarier playoff threat. Trading for Kuminga could’ve theoretically accomplished both goals in one fell swoop.
Instead, the Bucks will be forced to watch him potentially ball out for a Hawks team that is a direct competitor for the Play-In Tournament. Even on a team that’s a less ideal fit than Milwaukee, Kuminga is already showing his potential and looking to prove Golden State wrong. If he keeps up this level of play, the Warriors won’t be the only team with regrets of passing on him.