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The Cleveland Cavaliers began targeting potential starting wings early in free agency, as it remains the biggest need on their roster. Jonathan Kuminga quickly emerged as the frontrunner for Cleveland, but nothing has come of those efforts just yet.
A big part of the issue is the contract Kuminga is seeking, which is more than the Cavaliers are willing to offer. Cleveland even met with Kuminga in an effort to get a deal done.
“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.
With the conversations surrounding Kuminga going nowhere, the Cavaliers turned their attention toward another young star in Denver Nuggets NBA champion Peyton Watson. In fact, Cleveland began prioritizing Watson over Kuminga.
“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues,” Sidery wrote.
Even with Cleveland now pursuing Watson, SI’s Chase Brownawell believes the Cavaliers should continue pursuing Kuminga.
“He may have moved down Cleveland’s priority list of potential acquisitions, but he is still a player that can make an impact for the Cavs.Both of these guys right now have a big asking price. Multiple teams are looking at both of these players so Atlanta is of course going to ask for some major assets in a sign-and-tradefrom contending teams. That is why Kuminga is still a good option if Peyton Watson goes elsewhere. Watson may have required Cleveland giving up potentially even more than they would for Kuminga. Atlanta is willing to help a team out, but they want something in return,” Brownawell wrote.
Getting Kuminga would be huge for Cleveland, especially if the Cavaliers were able to give him a significant role within the offense. The former Golden State Warrior has yet to play in an offense where he has been given a truly prominent role, and that opportunity could help him flourish.
Last season, Kuminga was on a $46 million contract. While he has remained difficult for teams to acquire, Cleveland could benefit greatly from landing him. Even if the Cavaliers do not land Watson, it would not necessarily be a major setback, as Kuminga remains another excellent option on the table.
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