The Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, and he could now be utilized in a potential sign-and-trade, according to HoopsHype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Sacramento Kings are potential landing spots for him.
Since joining the Hawks, Kuminga has averaged 12.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game in 22.1 minutes per game. His athleticism, downhill scoring ability, and long-term upside continue to intrigue teams around the league.
The Cavaliers have emerged as one of the strongest suitors for Kuminga. In a hypothetical trade, they would have to give up Max Strus and Craig Porter. If they trade Jarrett Allen at $28 million, they are grossly weakening their team, which is already undersized.
Kuminga could become another foundational piece alongside Evan Mobley, Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas. If they land the explosive forward, Cleveland could boast one of the NBA’s most exciting young cores.
The Bucks appear as one of the main destinations for Kuminga, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer. A hypothetical trade would involve Kyle Kuzma, Andre Jackson Jr., two future first-round picks, and a future second-round pick. Their starting lineup could be Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jonathan Kuminga, and Myles Turner.
It is not only a perfect situation because Milwaukee continues to invest in high-upside talent, but it is also Kuminga’s best opportunity to continue developing his game. The Bucks can offer him a sizable contract that most others don’t have at the ready.
The Lakers have a significant interest in signing Kuminga, despite clear financial limitations. They are searching for a young wing to boost their perimeter defense, and he fits the profile. They have reportedly been eyeing him since January.
Kuminga’s elite traits—rim pressure, transition play, defensive versatility, and an 86th-percentile free-throw rate—fit perfectly alongside Luka Doncic. His fatal flaws are low portability and no spacing, and wanting the ball only kills you if you let him play hero ball.
Los Angeles’ potential starting lineup, if they can land Kuminga, could be Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Kuminga, Rui Hachimura, and Walker Kessler. Move or stretch Jarred Vanderbilt’s ~$11.5 million salary, create cap flexibility, and Kuminga becomes a real possibility.
If the Lakers pull this off, it could quietly reshape their wing rotation. This makes sense for both sides. Kuminga still isn’t to be trusted consistently; with Los Angeles, he’d get clarity: a defined role, real minutes, and the pressure that forces rapid development.
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The Kings have tons of interest in Jonathan Kuminga, according to Senior NBA Writer Marc J. Spears. Sacramento maintained strong interest in him before he was dealt to the Golden State Warriors and is expected to be intrigued in him now as a free agent.
If the Kings plans to shed cap, getting him might not be too far-fetched. They need to get Precious Achiuwa back first; then, we can worry about other people. Their wing group, being Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Kuminga, Achiuwa, and Alex Karaban, might not be in a bad spot, though, for the future.
With multiple contenders monitoring his situation, Kuminga appears poised to become one of the most intriguing names on the sign-and-trade market. Whether he lands with the Lakers, Cavaliers, Bucks, Kings, or another team, his combination of youth and athletic upside should keep him at the center of NBA offseason rumors.
Kuminga is now an unrestricted free agent. He will test the market, even though Atlanta retains his Bird rights.
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