The Stein Line noted that the Cavs have "always loomed" as potential suitors for Jonathan Kuminga.
After having his option declined by the Atlanta Hawks, former lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga will be able to sign with a team of his choosing in free agency, and the Cleveland Cavaliers may be one possible landing spot to keep an eye on.
The Stein Line noted that the Cavs have "always loomed" as potential suitors for Kuminga due to the relationship he maintains with Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Kuminga and Atkinson were in the same spot for a while with the Golden State Warriors.
The Hawks had a chance to ensure that Kuminga would be on their roster going into the 2026-27 campaign, but they didn't pick up his $24.3 million option. While it's still technically possible for the two sides to come to an agreement on a different deal, there seems to be a very good chance he will end up elsewhere this offseason.
He could be seen as an intriguing project for some teams. Although his NBA career hasn't gone exactly as planned, he is still just 23 years old and was a lottery pick for a reason.
He spent more than four seasons with the Warriors to begin his career before being moved to the Hawks around the 2026 trade deadline. His production with Atlanta was similar to his production during his Warriors tenure.
Overall, he has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game since being drafted into the NBA while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 33.2 percent from beyond the arc.
The Cavs have some questions to answer this offseason after they reached the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals but were embarrassed by the New York Knicks. Cleveland has long needed help on the wing, and Kuminga could help in that regard, but he isn't the only option.
The team has notably been linked to franchise legend LeBron James for what would be another reunion. If the Cavs were to land James, their whole offseason would take a turn.
But Kuminga is certainly a name to watch for them right now, and they certainly aren't the only team to monitor when it comes to his market. Hopefully for the forward, he will find a landing spot that allows him to spread his wings in the NBA and reach his full potential.
The Hawks, meanwhile, will continue chipping away at their offseason to-do list as they attempt to build a solid roster for the 2026-27 campaign.
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