Cavaliers predicted to trade for ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga, ship Max Strus

The Cleveland Cavaliers are well within striking distance of making a major move this offseason. Cleveland has been in serious need of a starting wing throughout the summer and has recently begun making moves to create the flexibility necessary to make it happen.

The Cavaliers have been in pursuit of NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga throughout the offseason. At one point, Cleveland even met with Kuminga as the two sides explored a potential partnership.

“The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga's services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

However, the Cavaliers have found themselves caught between Kuminga and Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson as they determine who they want to become their starting wing. It has become an interesting situation for Cleveland to navigate.

“I also wonder if he's kind of in the Peyton Watson limbo at the moment where Peyton Watson is higher in the hierarchy than he is. And these teams like Cleveland and Milwaukee are trying to figure out: 'Hey, do we want Peyton Watson or not?' And they're waiting to see if they get Peyton Watson, and if not, maybe Cleveland goes for Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade of sorts,” Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast said.

NBA writer Jake Weinbach believes Cleveland could ultimately land Kuminga in a three-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies.

“Cavs: Jonathan Kuminga (via S&T), Kris Murray. Grizzlies: Max Strus (via TPE). Hawks: 2032 second-round pick (via SAC from CLE), Atlanta would also receive a large TPE from facilitating Kuminga’s sign-and-trade to Cleveland,” Weinbach posted.

The Cavaliers would finally get their starting wing of the future in Kuminga while also adding a promising young piece in Murray. Just as importantly, the proposed deal would allow Cleveland to move on from Strus' contract, which the organization has been actively trying to offload.

Landing Kuminga would give Cleveland another dynamic piece and could make the Cavaliers one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They are already in position to contend, but adding Kuminga could give them the additional talent they need to make a deeper playoff run.

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