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There’s mutual interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Los Angeles Lakers, and it’s far from breaking news at this point.
The Lakers and Atlanta Hawks are reportedly discussing a sign-and-trade centered on Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 pick swap, but the deal is obviously still in the works.
On Friday, Kuminga received a valuable $21.5 million sign-and-trade update that’ll likely pique his interest.
“And if the framework of the sign-and-trade for Kuminga is still on the table beyond Thursday, the Lakers should jump on it,” The California Post’s Khobi Price stated.
“Vanderbilt has two years and $25.7 million left on his four-year, $48 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers in September 2023. He has a $12.4 million salary for 2026-27 and a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28.”
“And the pick swap would simply be the price of doing business. And if the Lakers are better than the Hawks in six years – which they expect to be with Doncic on the roster – the pick swap becomes less of a factor.”
“But then there’s the matter of how much the Lakers should pay Kuminga. If the Lakers acquire Kuminga in a sign-and-trade including Vanderbilt and the pick swap, the most they’d be allowed to pay Kuminga for 2026-27 would be around $21.5 million, which would also keep the Lakers below the first apron threshold they’re hard-capped at.”
A multi-year $21.5 million contract wouldn’t be a worst-case scenario for Kuminga. The former lottery pick still has a long way to go to become a do-it-all NBA wing, but he’s done enough to earn a respectable deal from a Lakers franchise that clearly values his upside/potential.
Kuminga, an explosive transition-scoring weapon with a high motor, was a 12.3-point, 5.6-rebound contributor for the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season. It’s clear that the Hawks and Lakers are open to partnering on the sign-and-trade market, but it may take more time than expected for them to reach an agreement.
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