Los Angeles Lakers Jonathan Kuminga trade rumors free agency
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The Los Angeles Lakers could be leading the race to win the Jonathan Kuminga trade sweepstakes, as according to a recent report from NBC’s Kurt Helin, the former NBA champion might prefer to play in the Purple and Gold next season over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the other top team in the mix for his services.
But while Kuminga might prefer a move to the Lakers, it hasn’t, and won’t, come that easy. The two sides have stalled trade talks recently over the inability to agree on a new contract, and while Los Angeles could potentially offer more in a deal compared to the Timberwolves, nothing has happened yet.
However, according to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Lakers likely now understand where they sit in terms of a sign-and-trade for Kuminga, and while the forward might want to go to Los Angeles, there’s one big roadblock still halting a deal.
Lakers Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors Get New Update
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Speaking on his podcast, The Hoop Collective, Windhorst described how, though there are still links between the Lakers and Kuminga, a straight-up sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks is unlikely, and that it’s likely going to have to be a three-team deal to have the 23-year-old wind up in Los Angeles.
“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.”
It’s been reported previously that a three-team sign-and-trade would be the most likely outcome that sees Kuminga end up on the Lakers. It wouldn’t be the easiest path for Los Angeles, but it means the door is still open to add the forward, and that could only grow after one other recent update.
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Reporting for NBC Sports, Helin also recently added some major developments on the Lakers’ trade charge for Kuminga and the players’ interest in joining either Los Angeles or Minnesota, the two top teams in the mix for his services.
“Kuminga reportedly likes the idea of playing for the Lakers — who would start him at the four — as a better fit,” he wrote, also echoing Windhorst’s statement that Hardy would be the likely trade chip heading back to the Hawks. “The Lakers and Hawks are talking sign-and-trade again, with guard Jaden Hardy reportedly in the conversation (he makes $6 million this season), while previously that was Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million).”
So, it now appears that in a three-team trade, Hardy would be on the way out, as well as the available second-round pick the Lakers can move. Even if the Hawks are interested in adding one of those assets, it’s hard not to see another team involved in the move.
New Contract Talks Remain A Roadblock For LA And The Top Trade Target
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kuminga has already turned down a two-year, $20 million offer from the Lakers, hoping instead to make at least $16 to $20 million annually in his new deal.
“Since the very start of free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers have made it known to Kuminga and his representation that they value his skills and want him as a key secondary player alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote on where the Lakers and Kuminga stand on a new deal. “While they did present a small contract offer to Kuminga in early July, he held out to see what other teams were interested and whether his price would grow from the $10 million annually LA was offering.”
While the Lakers could offer more money, especially if Hardy or Vanderbilt is sent out, the Timberwolves can likely only give him roughly $6 million. However, if Minnesota can create some financial flexibility, as Windhorst also reported, they could be in the mix to put Kuminga on their roster and beat out the Lakers for his services in a sign-and-trade.
“Watch the Wolves in the next couple days,” he added. “It’s still open, there’s still a window for the Lakers to do a Kuminga sign-and-trade. A sign-and-trade has to be three years. Now that these other doors are closing, the Timberwolves can close that deal and sign Kuminga.”
So, by all accounts, the Lakers and Timberwolves lead the race for Kuminga. While he wants as much money as possible, both of these two title-hopeful franchises are hoping to get him to agree to a smaller contract. Both could very much use his services, but until a sign-and-trade happens, rumors surrounding the player’s future will continue.
Anthony Slater of ESPN previously reported that talks have stalled, and if either the Lakers or Kuminga are willing to budge on a new contract, things could become a lot easier. Still, the likelihood of a three-team sign-and-trade doesn’t make it easier for Los Angeles, unless they are willing to part ways with some more valuable assets to add the player they’ve been linked to for the entire 2026 NBA offseason.