While the Atlanta Hawks recently declined their team option on Jonathan Kuminga for the 2026-27 season, it doesn't appear the choice was made without care.
While the Atlanta Hawks recently declined their team option on Jonathan Kuminga for the 2026-27 season, it doesn't appear the choice was made without care.
According to a report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks declined the $24.3 million option for strategic reasons.
"Sources say this decision was strategically done to create financial flexibility, including being able to utilize the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, while still maintaining Kuminga’s Bird Rights, so he can potentially sign a contract at a lower number than his team option amount," Scotto wrote. "It also opens up sign-and-trade possibilities for Atlanta with Kuminga, who’s drawn interest now as an unrestricted free agent."
Scotto also added some intel about where Kuminga could land.
"In addition to the Hawks considering a return, Kuminga has been discussed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks in possible sign-and-trade scenarios, HoopsHype has learned," he wrote. "Furthermore, the Sacramento Kings have also called to circle back in recent days and touch base on Kuminga."
While Kuminga appears to have suitors, it doesn't seem like a forgone conclusion that his Hawks tenure will come to an end this summer.
A separate report from NBA insider Marc Stein labeled the Los Angeles Lakers as another possible landing spot for Kuminga but left the door open for a return to Atlanta.
If the Hawks can bring Kuminga back for the 2026-27 season at a number lower than the $24.3 million salary they declined, the decision will look pretty good.
However, losing him is on the table, and that's a risk they were willing to take when they declined his option.
Kuminga had a short stint with Atlanta this past season, appearing in 16 games in the regular season and six more in the playoffs after being traded to the Hawks from the Golden State Warriors.
He did a fine job after the trade, averaging 12.3 points per game in the regular season and 13.7 per game in the playoffs as he helped Atlanta push the New York Knicks to six games in the first round.
But all in all, the former lottery pick didn't exactly blow expectations out of the water, so it wasn't a huge surprise when the Hawks declined his option. There are a lot of possible outcomes for Kuminga from here, ranging from a sign-and-trade to a traditional signing in free agency (perhaps with Atlanta, perhaps elsewhere).
There is clearly a market for his services, which is an encouraging sign for the 23-year-old. He is still young and not too far removed from being a lottery pick in 2021, so he may be able to realize some of his potential at some point down the line.
For now, his future is a storyline to watch in an NBA offseason that has been full of drama.
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