The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly open to a sign-and-trade that would send forward Jonathan Kuminga to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap, according to The California Post’s Khobi Price.
Because the Lakers already moved two future first-rounders and two swaps to Utah in the Walker Kessler deal, a 2032 swap is the only first-round asset Los Angeles can currently include. The club also holds three future second-round picks that could be added to any package.
Los Angeles has made its interest in Kuminga clear but is limited to offering a minimum-salary contract after a series of roster moves. A sign-and-trade is viewed as the most practical way for the Lakers to deliver a larger payday, though Kuminga, now an unrestricted free agent, may draw richer offers elsewhere.
Earlier in the week, multiple reports indicated the Lakers were considering a two-year, $20 million proposal—an average of $10 million annually—for the 21-year-old forward. League rules would push any sign-and-trade agreement to a minimum of three years, with only the first season required to be guaranteed.
Vanderbilt, 25, is entering the third season of the four-year, $48 million extension he signed in 2023. He will earn $12.4 million in 2026-27 and holds a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28. Sources told Price the Lakers are willing to move Vanderbilt and other players to upgrade the roster.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have also shown interest in Kuminga, who would reunite with head coach Kenny Atkinson—formerly an assistant with Golden State—if he lands in Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ free-agent plans are reportedly on hold until LeBron James decides where he will play next season.
Price added that Los Angeles continues to search for young, athletic wings capable of defending multiple positions. The Lakers looked into Ziaire Williams after Brooklyn declined his $6.25 million team option and have also checked on free agents Bruce Brown, Matisse Thybulle and Ochai Agbaji. Although the franchise has been linked to Dallas forward P.J. Washington in the past, Price reports that L.A. is unwilling to absorb the $88.8 million remaining on Washington’s contract.
Source: Hoops Rumors
