The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers remain the primary contenders for unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but matching the 23-year-old forward’s contract expectations continues to be a hurdle.
Appearing on FS1’s “The Herd,” Los Angeles reporter Jovan Buha said the Lakers examined ways to clear approximately $10 million in cap space to present Kuminga a two-year, $20 million offer. According to Buha, the proposal fell short because Kuminga is seeking a salary closer to $20 million annually, or at least north of $15 million per season.
The Lakers’ current payroll limits make a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks—the team holding Kuminga’s rights—the most realistic route to any deal. Reaching common ground on compensation with both the player and Atlanta would be required.
Cleveland also remains in the mix. Kuminga has trained in the city previously, and his agent, Aaron Turner, is from nearby Orange, Ohio. League sources told Hoops Wire that the Cavaliers are monitoring multiple scenarios, including ones in which they could acquire both Kuminga and free-agent forward LeBron James. Any move involving Kuminga would likewise need Atlanta’s cooperation via sign-and-trade.
Kuminga was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Hawks at February’s deadline and appeared in 36 games last season. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the field.
Source: Hoops Wire
