Cavaliers Remain Focused on Jonathan Kuminga; Updates on Harden, Green, 76ers and Blazers
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are still exploring ways to acquire unrestricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, even after finalizing a one-year agreement with Mario Hezonja, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Cleveland and Atlanta have discussed a sign-and-trade, but the Cavaliers have yet to propose a package that interests the Hawks.
Two names frequently mentioned as possible outgoing salary—Max Strus and Dennis Schröder—are unlikely to be attached to draft picks simply to clear cap space, league sources told Fischer. Atlanta has instead expressed much stronger interest in center Jarrett Allen, but Cleveland has not seriously considered moving the 28-year-old big man.
Lakers’ Position on Kuminga
The Los Angeles Lakers also view Kuminga as a potential starter. Negotiations have stalled over contract length and structure; the forward is reluctant to sign an unfavorable three-year deal, the minimum term required in any sign-and-trade. Fischer adds that league insiders have repeatedly said no substantial talks have taken place between the Lakers and Hawks on a package built around Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap.
Harden and Green Expected to Re-Sign
Free-agent guard James Harden remains on course to re-sign with the Cavaliers. Sources indicate his new agreement is unlikely to feature more than two guaranteed seasons.
Meanwhile, longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green is in discussions to return to Golden State. Options include a one-year deal worth roughly the $27.7 million he declined or a multiyear contract with a lower average annual value. Green is eligible for a no-trade clause, though it is not yet clear whether the team will grant it.
76ers Working to Clear Cap Room
The Philadelphia 76ers are actively shopping Johni Broome in an effort to slip below the first tax apron and sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Rival teams may demand significant value, unwilling to aid Philadelphia after the club landed LeBron James. If no trade surfaces, the Sixers could waive-and-stretch Broome’s guaranteed 2026-27 salary. Another option is releasing Jabari Walker, whose minimum deal carries only $250,000 in guarantees, though the organization would prefer to retain him.
Blazers Eye Final Roster Spot
The Portland Trail Blazers currently have 12 fully guaranteed contracts plus non-guaranteed pacts with Vit Krejci and Micah Potter. The front office plans to sign additional players on non-guaranteed deals to compete with Potter for what is expected to be the final roster slot. Portland may begin the season with 14 players, staying comfortably below the luxury-tax threshold while keeping the flexibility to add a 15th.
Source: Hoops Rumors
