The Los Angeles Lakers still have a chance to land Jonathan Kuminga, but the path to a potential deal remains uncertain.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN claimed that the Lakers can execute a Jonathan Kuminga deal via a sign-and-trade pact that would send Jaden Hardy to the Atlanta Hawks.
However, Hardy’s $6 million salary in a potential sign-and-trade for Kuminga could push Atlanta over the first luxury-tax apron. Due to that, a third team may need to be involved to absorb additional salary and keep the Hawks below the tax threshold.
"There's still a window there for the Lakers to do a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade deal using Jaden Hardy. But my thing on the whole Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade thing is that for the Hawks to do a sign-and-trade, they're going to probably end up in the tax unless you can ship someone to a third team who has to be paid," Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective Podcast. "And I've just been very doubtful that unless the Hawks are in love with the situation that they're going to end up, signing and trading Kuminga.
"The other thing with Kuminga is a sign-and-trade has to be three years. Doesn't have to be fully guaranteed, but it can't be player options."
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Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga still stuck amid NBA rumors
With over a week left before September, Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent.
The Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season. He spent half of the 2025-26 season with them after being traded by the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline.
Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season for both teams combined.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been the most prominent suitor for Kuminga, as they see the Congolese forward as a perfect, dynamic wing to cover Luka Doncic and Jonathan Kuminga.
But role and contract are huge factors that seem to restrict both sides from landing a deal. With Kuminga seeking a much more significant payday and a better role, the Lakers remain uncertain if they can still gain Kuminga.
While a potential sign-and-trade with the Hawks could give the Lakers a path to land Kuminga, Los Angeles still faces significant risk, particularly given the forward’s current contract demands.