The Los Angeles Lakers remain interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have also emerged as a possible destination for the unrestricted free agent.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore a potential sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga as uncertainty surrounding the forward's future continues.
LeBron James
Position SF
Age 41
Height 206 cm
Weight 113 kg
Birth place Akron, United States of America
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Kuminga remains a candidate to return to the Atlanta Hawks on a potential one-plus-one contract.
However, the 23-year-old has also attracted sign-and-trade interest from the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, are reportedly evaluating several factors, including average annual salary, contract structure, and potential roster fit. There is no single salary figure that applies to every interested team.
Lakers exploring alternative Kuminga trade framework
The Lakers and Hawks previously discussed a sign-and-trade framework involving Jarred Vanderbilt and Los Angeles' 2032 first-round pick swap.
Atlanta, however, has been reluctant to take on Vanderbilt's contract because of his $13.29 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
That obstacle could force the Lakers to find a third team willing to absorb Vanderbilt or construct a different package.
HoopsHype raised the possibility of a three-team deal involving Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, both of whom have team options for the 2027-28 campaign.
Such a structure could send Kuminga to Los Angeles while allowing Atlanta to create a traded player exception and receive draft compensation.
The Lakers have been searching for another starting-caliber forward to complement Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after reshaping their roster during the offseason.
Their ability to land Kuminga could depend on whether they can find a package Atlanta considers more attractive than the Vanderbilt-based framework.
Kuminga could join LeBron in Cleveland
The Cavaliers have also continued to monitor Kuminga while pursuing LeBron James, who reportedly remains at the top of Cleveland's wish list.
Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have emerged as potential trade candidates as the Cavaliers consider ways to create the necessary financial flexibility.
James has yet to decide where he will spend his 24th NBA season, with Cleveland remaining among the prominent teams linked with the four-time NBA champion.
Should the Cavaliers manage to land both players, Kuminga could join James in Cleveland instead of becoming part of the Lakers' new core.
The Hawks, meanwhile, remain $4.1 million below the luxury-tax line but currently have 17 players competing for 15 standard roster spots.
Atlanta is expected to remain active in trade talks, with veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield among the players to monitor as the team works through its roster situation.
Kuminga's decision could ultimately depend on which interested club can offer the best combination of salary, role, and contract security.
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