The Los Angeles Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga are becoming an iconic offseason duo. At least for now, that is bothersome for fans of the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Kuminga saga has developed into a full-blow summer stalemate, but the Lakers still remain firmly in the mix for the 23-year-old star free agent, who spent last season with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. But things may soon come to an end for Kuminga and the two teams waiting on him. According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Kuminga prefers the potential opportunity with the Lakers over the Wolves.
“Which is why Minnesota sits there, with $6 million of its mid-level exception that he can walk right into, no sign-and-trade. He’d get to play with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards. … Kuminga reportedly likes the idea of playing for the Lakers — who would start him at the four — as a better fit,” Helin reported Saturday.
Lakers in Strong Position to Land Jonathan Kuminga
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks in action during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Considering the kind of contract Kuminga is seeking and the lack of financial flexibility the Wolves possess, the Lakers appear to be in the driver’s seat to land Kuminga. But, as Helin noted, it is hard to envision Kuminga securing the deal he is seeking this summer.
“Ultimately, Kuminga is stuck because it’s highly unlikely he’s going to get the money he wants — Atlanta did not pick up his $24.3 million team option and Kuminga initially hoped for a deal in the ballpark, or at least above the mid-level exception,” Helin wrote. “He turned down the Lakers’ early offer of two years, $20 million, with a key role on the team to boost his value and a deal that gets him back on the market quickly, but Kuminga reportedly rejected that because he thought it was a lowball. Now, he might be lucky to get that.”
Said league insider Keith Smith: “I know the Lakers would still love to acquire him. … That is certainly on the table still. But Kuminga is still holding out for a much bigger contract than it looks like he’s headed to get right now.”
If Kuminga likes the opportunity he could have in Los Angeles, perhaps it would pay off to take the Lakers’ offer and prove he can play his way to the kind of deal he is searching for. Kuminga is young and has enormous upside, but he just needs to show he can consistently perform and can work his way to becoming an established star.
The Latest on Atlanta and L.A.’s Negotiations
The Lakers and Hawks first discussed a Kuminga sign-and-trade nearly two months ago. According to Helin, the Lakers are now negotiating a deal for Kuminga involving the newly-acquired Jaden Hardy.
“The Lakers and Hawks talked sign-and-trade earlier this summer, but those talks stalled out because Atlanta is not looking to add salary (it is only $3.8 million below the luxury tax line, and Kuminga currently counts as zero for them),” Helin reported. “Or, at least Atlanta is not interested without a quality draft pick as an incentive, and the Lakers would not go there. Also, Atlanta currently has 17 players under contract heading into training camp and needs to shed at least two, not add players. 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 Jarred Vanderbilt (12.4 million).”
Perhaps L.A. patience will pay off soon, especially after the Cleveland Cavaliers, another team mentioned in the Kuminga sweepstakes until recently, landed star wingman Peyton Watson in a seismic five-team sign-and-trade deal.
Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga News as Star Reveals Preferred Team