Report: Cavaliers 'Most-Often Connected' to Jonathan Kuminga Outside of Lakers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the team "most-often connected" to Jonathan Kuminga in free agency outside the Los Angeles Lakers, according to The Athletic's Dan Woike.

The report adds to weeks of reporting that tie Cleveland to Kuminga's market, even as the Cavaliers hold off on any real pursuit until LeBron James makes his free-agent decision.

ESPN's Anthony Slater has separately reported that the Cavaliers remain interested in Kuminga, citing his comfort with Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, who coached Kuminga as a lead assistant with the Golden State Warriors during the forward's first three NBA seasons. That relationship has been a frequent element of Kuminga's ties to Cleveland, making him a name to watch if Cleveland is unable to land James.

Kuminga reached unrestricted free agency when the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3M team option in June. The Warriors selected him with the seventh overall pick in 2021, and he spent four seasons with Golden State before being traded to the Hawks.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season. In 16 games with the Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He helped Atlanta reach the playoffs as the sixth seed, and he also showed off his two-way versatility during the Hawks' first-round loss to the New York Knicks. His 3-point shot went cold in that series, when he made just 5-of-24 from deep. His best season remains 2023-24, when he averaged a career-high 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting. For his career, he has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

The Cavaliers face legitimate financial limitations as they are deep into the luxury tax and pressed against the second apron. There are mechanisms that Cleveland could leverage to reduce its payroll, including trading either Max Strus or Dennis Schröder. However, it would cost the Cavaliers to do so and appears to be a more viable route if it involves adding James.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Lakers have also been tied to Kuminga, and the Lakers have floated a two-year deal worth roughly $20 million, well short of the $25 million annual salary Kuminga is said to ideally want. A return to Atlanta hasn't been ruled out either.

The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals last season before being swept by the Knicks. Kuminga's market, Cleveland included, remains one of the top free agency storylines awaiting further developments behind James and in addition to Peyton Watson.