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The Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga appears to have reached a familiar obstacle: money.
Nearly a month into free agency, a potential sign-and-trade with the Hawks remains stuck because Kuminga does not want to accept both a reduced salary and a long-term commitment, according to NBA salary cap analyst Keith Smith.
“The challenge with Kuminga is that if he’s gonna take less money than what he wants, then he only wants to do it for a year,” Smith said. “He doesn’t want to do a three-year deal, and in order to do a sign-and-trade, he would have to have a three-year contract.”
That requirement leaves little room for compromise.
The Lakers are reportedly discussing a salary in the range of $15 million to $16 million per season, while Kuminga is seeking something closer to the $20 million to $25 million range if he is going to sign a multiyear agreement. He became an unrestricted free agent after Atlanta declined his $24.3 million option for the 2026-27 season.
Kuminga may be willing to take less money on a one-year contract that would allow him to restore his value and return to free agency. NBA rules, however, require a sign-and-trade contract to cover at least three seasons, although only the first year must be fully guaranteed.
“You can’t do a one-year deal on a sign-and-trade,” Smith said. “It has to be a minimum of a three-year deal, so that’s where it’s a little bit stuck.”
Smith said Atlanta is prepared to consider that framework, although other league reporting has characterized the Lakers’ available return as less appealing than what the Cavaliers could offer.
The larger holdup appears to be on Kuminga’s end.
“It sounds like it’s on Kuminga’s side, where he wants a little bit more money,” Smith said.
The Lakers view the 23-year-old forward as a potential fit alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season while splitting time between Golden State and Atlanta.
His athleticism and scoring ability could help replace some of the production lost with LeBron James’ departure.
Cleveland remains a threat after missing out on James. Kuminga has a previous relationship with Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson.
For the Lakers, the calculation is straightforward. Kuminga may be the most talented attainable wing left on the market, but Los Angeles does not want to overpay a player whose value has declined after uneven stops with two teams.
Kuminga is facing a decision: He can accept less money for the security of a longer contract, lower his demands for a one-year opportunity elsewhere or wait for another team to meet his price.
Until one side compromises, the Lakers’ possible sign-and-trade will remain frozen.
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