The Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers have returned to the negotiating table over Jonathan Kuminga, but the latest framework includes a younger, cheaper player coming to Atlanta.
Jaden Hardy, a 24-year-old scoring guard earning $6 million next season, has entered sign-and-trade discussions between the teams, NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin reported.
Earlier trade concepts involved Jarred Vanderbilt. The difference between those players — and their contracts — explains why talks may have restarted.
Vanderbilt is scheduled to make approximately $12.4 million. Hardy costs less than half that amount, an important distinction for an Atlanta team sitting only about $3.8 million below the luxury-tax line.
Neither player could be added without financial consequences. Hardy, however, presents a more manageable problem and a potentially useful young asset.
What Jaden Hardy Could Bring to Atlanta
Getty Jaden Hardy of the Washington Wizards controls the ball in front of guard Caris LeVert of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Hardy averaged 9.2 points in only 15.8 minutes across 57 games last season. He shot 42.4% from the field and a career-best 39.7% from 3-point range.
Expanded to over 36 minutes, his scoring rate approached 21 points.
Hardy is not a traditional point guard or defensive stopper. His value comes from his ability to create shots quickly, attack a tilted defense and provide instant offense off the bench. Atlanta could use him as a secondary scorer or evaluate him as a trade asset.
His contract adds to the appeal. Hardy is entering the second season of a three-year, $18 million agreement that pays him $6 million annually. The final season is a team option, giving Atlanta the ability to retain him at a modest price or move on without guaranteed money.
Vanderbilt offers defense, rebounding and positional versatility, but his offensive limitations and larger salary make him a less natural target.
The 27-year-old forward averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds last season while shooting 29.3% from beyond the arc. He has also dealt with significant foot and lower-body injuries during his Lakers tenure.
Vanderbilt’s $12.4 million salary would push Atlanta much deeper into the tax unless another contract was sent elsewhere. Hardy’s $6 million salary would require a smaller corresponding move.
Hawks Still Need Additional Incentive
Atlanta’s roster situation remains complicated.
The Hawks have 17 players under contract and must remove at least two before opening night. Simply adding Hardy would increase the congestion and move Atlanta roughly $2.2 million above the tax line before any other transactions.
That means Los Angeles may still need to include draft compensation or help route salary to a third team.
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million option after he averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16 games following his February arrival from Golden State. Kuminga then averaged 13.7 points during Atlanta’s playoff loss to the Knicks.
The Lakers reportedly view Kuminga as a potential starting power forward beside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Minnesota remains a threat because it can sign him directly with approximately $6 million of its midlevel exception, leaving Atlanta with nothing.
Hardy gives the Hawks a reason to participate that Vanderbilt did not. He is younger, provides needed shooting and carries a flexible contract.
But he does not solve Atlanta’s tax or roster issues by himself. If the Lakers want the Hawks to facilitate Kuminga’s move, Hardy may be the starting point — not the entire price.
Hawks, Lakers Restart Jonathan Kuminga Talks With New Trade Piece