Lakers could swap Jaden Hardy for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion to pair with Luka Doncic image
The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to finalize their roster for the upcoming season, but they remain in need of a starting power forward. The Lakers have been pursuing Jonathan Kuminga for essentially the entire summer.
The former Golden State Warriors NBA champion has been one of LA’s biggest priorities this offseason. As of late, the Lakers have gained significant momentum in their pursuit of Kuminga.
“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," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Los Angeles has been heavily involved in the pursuit of Kuminga and appears willing to do whatever it takes to get a deal done. The Lakers have even offered Kuminga a legitimate contract.
“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements," Sidery posted.
At this point, it is a matter of what the Atlanta Hawks want in a sign-and-trade deal. The Lakers remain one of the final teams in the race for Kuminga, and they could include Jaden Hardy in a potential package to acquire the 23-year-old.
“ESPN's Brian Windhorst said in Friday's episode of The Hoop Collective podcast he feels there is "still a window" for the Lakers to complete a sign-and-trade deal featuring Kuminga and Lakers guard Jaden Hardy,” Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh wrote.
The Lakers could have little hesitation about including Hardy in a package, especially since he has yet to play a game for Los Angeles. The Hawks are also a couple of players over the roster limit, which could make the logistics of a potential deal even more interesting.
Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season. The Lakers appear willing to do whatever it takes to land the NBA champion, and for now, Hardy could be one of the key pieces used to help make that happen.
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