Throughout the 2026 NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to a move that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and other assets out to land Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
However, as time goes on, the chances of the Lakers trading Vanderbilt are decreasing. The team is still very much interested and in the mix to land Kuminga, but as it relates to the player they would move out, his future looks more and more set in Los Angeles.
Vanderbilt has two years and roughly $25 million remaining on his contract, one that was previously expected to be used in a trade for Kuminga, but according to new reports, Jaden Hardy appears to be the player more likely involved in a deal with the Hawks to add the former NBA champion to the roster.
Jarred Vanderbilt In Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
According to reports from NBC’s Kurt Helin and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Hardy, instead of Vanderbilt, appears to be the top asset that the Lakers could cut ties with in a deal to land Kuminga this summer.
Hardy is on a smaller deal, but the Hawks reportedly don’t have interest in Vanderbilt, a player Los Angeles has been ready to give up all offseason.
“The Lakers and Hawks are talking sign-and-trade again, with guard Jaden Hardey reportedly in the conversation (he makes $6 million this season), while previously that was Jared Vanderbilt ($12.4 million),” Helin wrote.
The Lakers have also been rumored to be ready to trade Adou Thiero, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, or other young players or minor draft assets in a deal for Kuminga, but with Vanderbilt owed more than $12 million next season, he was expected to highlight a trade package.
However, as Jake Fischer reported earlier this summer, and as has remained the case, Atlanta doesn’t want to add Vanderbilt to their young and rising roster.
“It’s believed that the Lakers hope to package their lone tradeable first-round pick swap left over in 2032 along with Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade proposal for Kuminga,” he wrote for The Stein Line in July. “Sources say Atlanta, however, has not considered taking back Vanderbilt in a deal that sends out Kuminga.”
So, while Vanderbilt has been shopped by the Lakers all offseason, especially in a deal for Kuminga, he doesn’t appear to be a valued asset the team could use in a trade.
Vanderbilt is coming off the 2025-26 campaign with Los Angeles averaging 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 47.1% shooting in 65 games.
Vando Predicted To Stay With The Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
With all of that being said, the future likely holds only one outcome for Vanderbilt, and that involves staying with the Lakers for next season.
The forward reportedly has a strong relationship with franchise star Luka Doncic, and while that doesn’t guarantee anything, as Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote for LakeShowLife.com, Vanderbilt will be playing in the Purple and Gold next year.
“If the Lakers wanted to use Vanderbilt’s contract in the outgoing package of this deal, they would need a third team to emerge with willingness to absorb that money for draft capital. Unsurprisingly, to this point, no one has. If Los Angeles wants to see Kuminga in purple and gold, they may have to look at other options to accomplish that goal,” he wrote. “Vanderbilt might be easier to trade next offseason as an expiring deal.”
Additionally, Rovenchuk believes the move of Klay Thompson joining the Miami Heat even further rules out Vanderbilt as a trade chip, whether that would have been for the four-time NBA champion, Kuminga, or any other target.
“Maybe the Lakers think they can offload Vanderbilt’s money in a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade. The lack of finalized developments argue against that eventually being the resolution. Los Angeles may need to factor Vando into their plans for the upcoming season,” he added. “Vanderbilt might be secure in his position on the roster for yet another season as a result.”
Vanderbilt will be the sixth-highest-paid player on the Lakers next season, and while he might not be traded this summer, his name will remain in rumors for as long as he is playing in Los Angeles.
Lakers Get Brutal Jarred Vanderbilt Reality Amid Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors