The Los Angeles Lakers have some serious momentum building for signing Jonathan Kuminga, who is reportedly eager to join Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in their new era. NBA reporter Evan Sidery even said, “Significant momentum is now building towards Jonathan Kuminga soon finalizing a contract with the Lakers. With the Cavaliers choosing Peyton Watson instead, Kuminga’s options are now limited to Los Angeles or the Timberwolves. Kuminga’s preferred landing spot is the Lakers.” It really looked like a done deal, right? Well, not so fast.
Kuminga Eyeing L.A. After Big Trade Shake-Up
It seemed like Kuminga was increasingly likely to land with the Lakers after a major trade took one of his biggest potential suitors out of the running. The Cleveland Cavaliers went ahead and traded for Peyton Watson, taking them off Kuminga’s list. That deal was wild, too. Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker reported that Denver sent Watson to the Cavaliers, snagging Cleveland’s 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-rounder from the Sacramento Kings. Plus, the Cavs shipped Max Strus off to the Los Angeles Clippers, freeing them up to sign Watson to a massive four-year, $88 million contract. A few other minor moves involved the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets, but the bottom line for Kuminga was clear: it’s down to L.A. or Minnesota. And he wants L.A.
Atlanta’s Draft Pick Demand Is A Serious Problem
Just when it felt like the Lakers were closing in on Kuminga, a major obstacle popped up. The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly not interested in taking back any players in a potential sign-and-trade deal. Instead, they’re pushing hard for draft capital. NBA writer Jake Weinbach confirmed Atlanta is open to facilitating a sign-and-trade for Kuminga, but they are already stacked with 17 rostered players under standard contracts. That’s a tough spot, because the Lakers have already surrendered significant draft assets in their trade for Walker Kessler. That leaves them with super limited capital to use in another deal. Add to that, Los Angeles is currently at 16 roster spots, so they’d need to make another move just to create room for Kuminga. What a headache, right? This whole Kuminga saga just got another complicated layer.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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