The Los Angeles Lakers have maintained interest in Jonathan Kuminga since the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent
Jonathan Kuminga remains available in free agency with his market seemingly on hold, like much of the rest of the NBA. As it stands, LeBron James' continued indecision is playing a key role in his market being on hold.
James informed the Los Angeles Lakers on June 30 that he'd be signing elsewhere for his 24th season, ending an eight-year stint. It has since created a scramble among contending teams that has dominated league offseason business, including Kuminga's market.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha said the two situations are linked, though not as it appears.
The Lakers have maintained interest in Kuminga since the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with Kuminga virtually and pitched him on a role as a high-minutes wing next to Luka Dončić.
The Lakers offered Kuminga a two-year, $20 million contract, below the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, while he reportedly seeks nearly $20 million per season. With limited cap space, any agreement requires a sign-and-trade. The Lakers also lost Rui Hachimura to the LA Clippers, increasing their need for wing help. However, there isn't much the Lakers can send of value in a sign-and-trade scenario.
Atlanta is key in Kuminga's situation. He can't sign with the Lakers or others without a cap exception. The Hawks have his Bird rights, needing to be a trade partner for a sign-and-trade. Atlanta remains open to re-signing him cheaply, and the front office isn't rushing to trade him if they dislike the offer.
Kuminga played 16 regular-season games for the Hawks after being traded in February, while Kristaps Porziņģis was moved to the Golden State Warriors. Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds and contributed to the Hawks pushing the New York Knicks to six games in the first round.
James remains the NBA's biggest domino. His agent, Rich Paul, has spoken with over two dozen teams, including the Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Several teams interested in Kuminga are in this group, stalling his market instead of linking his decision directly to James.
"I don't think Kuminga is explicitly waiting on LeBron," Buha said. "It's more so that the teams in Kuminga's market are on hold right now."
Buha said a resolution to James' free agency should help teams refocus on Kuminga and expedite his decision.
The Hawks' situation remains unchanged until either the Lakers close the financial gap or another buyer is willing to meet Kuminga's price in a sign-and-trade. The Hawks gain more leverage as James' free agency process extends, because it is they, not Kuminga, who ultimately decide whether a deal with the Lakers or another team proceeds.
