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The Los Angeles Lakers have been in full pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga since LeBron James informed the team that he would not be returning. It has been an interesting summer for the Lakers, to say the least.
Los Angeles has been trying to create enough financial flexibility to bring in Kuminga but has yet to find a way to make it happen. At the very least, the Lakers have already made an offer to the 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," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
However, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also pursuing Kuminga, even if he is not their top priority at the moment. Cleveland has been making moves to create the financial flexibility necessary to land one of the wings it wants.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, sources told ESPN on Friday. In Schroder, Charlotte picks up an established veteran at point guard who has history with Hornets president Jeff Peterson and coach Charles Lee from his tenure in Atlanta at the start of his career,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.
Cleveland appears to be creating flexibility to pursue either Peyton Watson or Kuminga. Lake Show Life’s Jordanna Clark believes that could be bad news for Los Angeles.
“He could do the same in Cleveland, though, as the Cavaliers hope their championship dreams will come true in 2027. It could come down to which team offers Kuminga the best contract, rather than the better opportunity. After all, he's waited this long to make a decision, and it could pay off (literally), as the Cavaliers created greater financial flexibility for themselves. They still need to re-sign James Harden, but they can do that and land Kuminga,” Clark wrote.
With the Cavaliers already making moves to create financial flexibility and potentially making another move involving Max Strus, Cleveland is putting itself in a strong position to pursue Kuminga.
Yes, Watson appears to be Cleveland's top target, but completing a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets could prove difficult. If that deal falls through, Kuminga could become a much more realistic option.
The Atlanta Hawks would likely be willing to work with Cleveland on a Kuminga sign-and-trade if the Cavaliers present an appealing enough package. For the Lakers, meanwhile, the situation is becoming increasingly concerning.
Los Angeles still needs to create the necessary financial flexibility to complete a deal for Kuminga. Cleveland has already begun doing exactly that, potentially putting the Cavaliers in a much stronger position if the two teams ultimately battle for the former Warriors champion.
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