A potential sign-and-trade would send Jonathan Kuminga to Cleveland in exchange for Max Strus and future second-round picks going to Atlanta.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could still explore a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks as they continue to evaluate ways to strengthen their roster after LeBron James' decision to choose the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jonathan Kuminga
Position SF, PF
Age 23
Height 201 cm
Weight 102 kg
Birth place Goma, Congo (Republic of the)
One potential framework would send Jonathan Kuminga to Cleveland, with Atlanta receiving Max Strus and future second-round draft picks.
The proposed construction by NBA reporter Evan Sidery would look as follows:
Cavaliers receive:
Jonathan Kuminga
Hawks receive:
Max Strus
Future second-round picks
Strus could serve as Cleveland's main trade piece
Strus would provide the salary-matching component required to bring Kuminga to Cleveland on the contract he is seeking, while the second-round picks would give Atlanta additional compensation for facilitating the sign-and-trade.
The Cavaliers had maintained contact with Kuminga and his Cleveland-based agent, Aaron Turner, throughout LeBron James' free-agency process, with mutual interest reportedly existing between the sides.
Kuminga is seeking an annual salary in the region of $20 million to $23 million, meaning Cleveland would need Atlanta's cooperation to acquire him at that price.
Credit AP-Scanpix
Hezonja move could take Cleveland out of race
Cleveland's pursuit of Kuminga may have changed after the Cavaliers moved toward adding Mario Hezonja.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Hezonja's move to Cleveland could leave the Los Angeles Lakers as Kuminga's only remaining known suitor.
"With Mario Hezonja heading to Cleveland, that leaves one suitor for Jonathan Kuminga: the Los Angeles Lakers," Siegel reported.
The Lakers have actively pursued Kuminga throughout the offseason as they search for another starting-caliber forward.
Lakers deal could center on Vanderbilt
Siegel expects Los Angeles to eventually complete a sign-and-trade with Atlanta involving Jarred Vanderbilt.
"I would expect a sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt to be completed there with the Hawks," he added.
Vanderbilt could serve as the primary outgoing salary, although the Hawks may require additional compensation to take on his contract and help Kuminga reach Los Angeles.
Credit Scanpix
Kuminga split last season between the Golden State Warriors and Hawks, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists across 36 regular-season appearances.
Atlanta declined his team option for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency.
He could still reportedly return to the Hawks on a shorter contract should no acceptable sign-and-trade materialize.
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