Lakers, Cavaliers, Timberwolves reportedly battling for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion image
The Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to find a power forward throughout the summer and have made Jonathan Kuminga a top target for that role. However, Kuminga has been difficult to deal with during the free-agency process.
Los Angeles is entering a new era without LeBron James for the first time in nearly a decade. It is somewhat surprising that Kuminga has yet to agree to a deal, especially since he has reportedly been interested in the Lakers for much of the summer.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Lakers have done everything they can to convince Kuminga to come to Los Angeles, but he is still weighing his options. The organization has already made a significant offer to the former NBA champion.
“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 wrote.
It has been an intriguing process, to say the least. While Los Angeles appears to be one of the favorites, the Lakers are still battling several other teams for Kuminga. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves remain in the mix.
“The Atlanta Hawks were said to be open to bringing Kuminga back on a minimum deal, but that ship has sailed since adding Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort in trades with the OKC Thunder. ... There hasn't been much talk about Kuminga going to the Clippers recently, and interest from the Bucks seems like an "if all else fails" option regarding their pursuit of Peyton Watson and Bennedict Mathurin. It looks increasingly likely that Kuminga will end up with the Lakers, Timberwolves, or Cavs,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
Given how unpredictable Kuminga's free-agency process has been, anything could happen. The 23-year-old NBA champion has undoubtedly received significant interest from the Lakers, but the other contenders remain in pursuit.
Last season, Kuminga was playing under a $46 million contract between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. This could turn into a bidding war that goes down to the wire, but ultimately, it will come down to which team Kuminga chooses to sign with.
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