Jonathan Kuminga Draws Interest from Cavaliers, Who Reportedly Offer Hawks a Stronger Sign-and-Trade Package Than Lakers
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League sources say the Cleveland Cavaliers have assembled a sign-and-trade proposal for Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga that is considered more attractive than the Los Angeles Lakers’ current offer, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
The Lakers identified Kuminga, an unrestricted free agent, as their preferred option to fill a starting spot on the wing after LeBron James left for the Philadelphia 76ers. Because Kuminga is seeking a salary higher than Los Angeles and other teams can offer outright, a sign-and-trade with Atlanta is the only realistic path for the Lakers to acquire him. However, executives familiar with negotiations described the Lakers’ package as “underwhelming,” while Cleveland is believed to have stronger assets to send the Hawks.
Kuminga’s agent, Turner, confirmed mutual interest between his client and Cleveland. “Jonathan likes the Cavs, likes (coach) Kenny Atkinson, and (star) Donovan Mitchell likes him,” Turner said, noting that the 23-year-old spent two months training in Cleveland last summer.
If the Cavaliers close the deal, Los Angeles will need an alternative solution at small forward. Internal options include Ziaire Williams or Matisse Thybulle, though neither profiles as a long-term answer. The Lakers currently hold 16 guaranteed contracts and have floated Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht in trade talks, but league sentiment suggests both players possess limited market value.
Despite the obstacles, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has continued to stay in contact with Kuminga’s camp, hoping to bolster the frontcourt before training camp opens in October.
Source: LakersNation.com
