Jeff Teague weighed in on Jonathan Kuminga's brief Hawks tenure and a possible sign-and-trade to the Lakers, which could send Jarred Vanderbilt to Atlanta.
Jonathan Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his team option for next season, and a potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers could require a sign-and-trade. Former Hawks guard Jeff Teague recently weighed in on Kuminga and the possible outcomes of his offseason.
After the Hawks declined Kuminga's team option, a mutual interest grew between the Lakers and Kuminga. However, after Los Angeles's series of offseason signings, they do not have the room to sign him directly in free agency without freeing up $12 to $13 million in cap space.
The Lakers are willing to offer the former Hawks forward a two-year, $20 million contract, per the Los Angeles Times. However, former Hawks guard Teague spoke about the possibility of a sign-and-trade on his podcast, Club 520.
"It doesn't matter," said Teague in the July 9th episode. "Who are we going to take back? Jarred Vanderbilt or somebody. I mean, he can come over here. He probably would like Atlanta," he added.
While the segment of the episode focused on Kuminga possibly going to the Lakers, Teague talked about what the Hawks forward was looking for with the franchise. "What was it like, $140 or something? He wanted more than Jalen Johnson. Ain't that crazy? You went to his team. They're getting rid of you. The NBA is wicked, it's definitely a quick rental," Teague added.
Khobi Price of the California Post reported that Atlanta is open to a Kuminga sign-and-trade deal with Los Angeles.
"A source told the post the Hawks are willing to execute a sign-and-trade with the Lakers around the framework of Kuminga going to L.A. and the Hawks receiving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers '2032 first-round pick swap — the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this summer," Price Wrote.
He added, "Los Angeles also has three second-round picks available." Kuminga was drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft by the Golden State Warriors. He played with the Warriors until he was traded before the 2026 trade deadline to the Atlanta Hawks.
During his time with the Warriors he struggled with his role on the team which led to the trade. With the Hawks he averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 16 games.
The 6-foot-7 guard shot 50.2 percent from the field with the Hawks and started one game.
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