Pacific Division Roundup: Lakers Eye Wing Help, Kuminga Holds Out, Jones Commission Ruling, Micic on Suns
pacific-division-roundup-lakers-kuminga-jones-micic
Lakers weigh wing upgrade as trade window narrows
The Los Angeles Lakers have grown more receptive to acquiring a high-end wing—potentially Heat forward Andrew Wiggins—following Luka Doncic’s three-year maximum extension signed last month, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike and earlier reporting from Marc Stein. Although the front office is now open to absorbing contracts that extend past 2025/26, team officials are expected to evaluate newcomers Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia during training camp before spending their limited trade capital. At present, Los Angeles can move only one future first-round pick, either its 2031 or 2032 selection.
Kuminga, Warriors remain far apart
Restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has shown little interest in Golden State’s two-year, $45 million proposal that carries a second-year team option and would require the forward to waive his trade-veto rights, reports Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. The most probable outcome, Poole notes, is Kuminga accepting his $7.98 million qualifying offer and reaching unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Arbitrator awards agent fee in Jones case
An arbitrator has ruled that Aaron Turner, the former representative of Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., is entitled to his full 4 percent commission—approximately $1.2 million—on the three-year, $30 million contract Jones signed with Los Angeles in 2024, Marc Stein reports. Jones changed agents around the time he entered free agency last summer.
Micic reflects on Suns’ underwhelming season
Speaking on the X&Os Chat YouTube program, former Suns guard Vasilije Micic discussed his impressions of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal while offering thoughts on Phoenix’s disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Addressing why the club fell short, the Serbian playmaker cited “a bit of everything,” pointing to coaching issues and difficulties working together, though he said he was unsure of the exact causes.
Source: HoopsRumors
