Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga will likely not be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors have ‘made it clear’ that the Lakers don’t have any players they covet, making it unlikely that he lands in L.A.
“Multiple league sources tell @ClutchPoints that there are no active, ongoing discussions between the Warriors and Lakers regarding Jonathan Kuminga. The Lakers do hold interest in Kuminga, but the Warriors have made it clear LA has nothing of value to them.”
In addition, no offers have been made, and the two teams aren’t having any active discussions about Kuminga.
Are the Lakers Forced to Pivot After Warriors Grow Less Likely to Trade Jonathan Kuminga?
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported a few weeks ago that the Lakers had contacted the Warriors about Kuminga.
"The purple-and-gold’s known preference at this deadline is to acquire a true 3-and-D wing with size if possible to provide some point-of-attack resistance on the perimeter as well as some shooting, but it must be said the Lakers, according to sources, did call Golden State about Kuminga during the sides’ summer standoff in restricted free agency I'm told that the Lakers have likewise continued to monitor Kuminga's situation while casting a wide net to try to find help on a very limited wing market."
If Kuminga is dealt, the Lakers are not in play if Siegel’s report is to be true.
Prior to Jimmy Butler’s ACL injury, there was a big chance they may part ways with Kuminga. However, that may have all changed because of the injury. ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Golden State may be less likely to trade him.
“Multiple team sources have described it as less likely Kuminga is moved following Jimmy Butler‘s right ACL tear. Prior to that injury, Kuminga was a $22.5 million wing rotting on the bench, having not seen the floor for 16 straight games. Without Butler, he’s back in the mix, scoring 30 points in 30 bench minutes before the injury. There’s internal conversation that he’d get another crack at minutes post-deadline — if he’s still around. That has yet to be determined, though.”
The Lakers lack a true 3-and-D wing on their roster. They’d love to add a player of Kuminga’s caliber; however, they may need to pivot elsewhere.
Newsweek