The Atlanta Hawks have told the Los Angeles Lakers they want Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap in a sign-and-trade that would send forward Jonathan Kuminga to Los Angeles, the California Post reported.
Los Angeles views Kuminga as its preferred target to fill the starting power-forward spot. Because the Lakers are operating above the salary cap, they must either move contracts to create space or acquire the 23-year-old through a sign-and-trade.
Only Remaining First-Round Asset
After surrendering two first-round picks and two swaps to the Utah Jazz in last summer’s deal for Walker Kessler, the 2032 swap is the Lakers’ lone tradable first-round asset this offseason. The club can also move up to three second-round picks, but league executives generally value a future swap more highly than second-round selections.
Vanderbilt Viewed as Negative Salary
Multiple league sources told the Post that Los Angeles has been open to trading Vanderbilt and other veterans to improve roster flexibility. Vanderbilt, 27, is owed about $25 million over the next two seasons, a contract rival teams see as negative value. Including him in a Kuminga deal would clear that money while delivering a young starter—two objectives the Lakers have been pursuing simultaneously.
Current Offer to Kuminga
The Lakers reportedly have a two-year, $20 million offer on the table for Kuminga, who appears reluctant to accept it. A sign-and-trade would allow Los Angeles to offer a contract of at least three years at a higher annual salary.
If the Hawks hold firm on acquiring the 2032 pick swap and talks stall, the Lakers could explore separate trades involving Vanderbilt or other players to open cap space and increase their direct free-agent offer to Kuminga.
Source: Lakers Nation
