Jonathan Kuminga has lingered as one of the more intriguing free agency options this offseason. But while most notable players in the open market have signed somewhere, the forward remains without a team.
The recent wave of movement around the league has sharpened the picture around Kuminga’s market, particularly from the Los Angeles Lakers’ perspective.
According to Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh, these roster moves have further narrowed the field to acquire Kuminga.
“Some other potential landing spots for Kuminga had already taken themselves out of the running with acquisitions earlier this offseason,” Stumbaugh wrote. “The Cleveland Cavaliers approached the first luxury tax apron by signing Peyton Watson and James Harden, while the Hawks spent the offseason adding former Oklahoma City Thunder players Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort.”
Adding the more recent moves with veteran stars Klay Thompson who is reportedly set to join the Miami Heat and DeMar DeRozan who has reportedly agreed to a deal to join the Denver Nuggets.
This situation means that the Lakers, who have maintained contact with Kuminga since the opening days of free agency, now find themselves with fewer rivals for the athletic wing.
Lakers Receive Update on Jonathan Kuminga Market After Latest NBA Movement
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks grabs a rebound against Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kuminga entered the free agency market after the Atlanta Hawks declined his team option for the 2026-27 season. He is reportedly seeking a move elsewhere but no interest has materialized into a concrete offer that his camp demands.
The option for a sign-and-trade remains the most desirable outcome for everyone involved. However, a structure for the trade and salary remains an obstacle for the Lakers.
“The Athletic’s Dan Woike previously reported the Lakers had expressed interest in Kuminga, but that as of July ‘momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios,” Stumbaugh added. “Woike noted Kuminga ‘could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid.’”
The good thing for the Lakers is that there are now fewer teams that would battle them for the Kuminga sweepstakes. The Cavs were reportedly a strong landing spot but have been effectively removed with the Watson acquisition this week.
The Lakers have reportedly met with Kuminga to pitch what it would look like for him if he joins. He would most likely be the main man in the wings to play alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Kuminga’s Next Step
There hasn’t been a clear preferred destination for Kuminga. But the feeling coming out of his camp would likely be on the page of moving to L.A. especially now that Cleveland is no longer an option.
The reality for Kuminga now is that he may have to settle for less than what his camp is demanding. A short-term deal looks unlikely, as any signing and trade comes with at least three years commitment.
At 23, he still has age on his side and could take less money if it means getting a guaranteed consistent starting role. The Lakers have roster spots open for him to fit into.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been reportedly linked with Kuminga which makes it not an entirely free competition for the Lakers in acquiring him.
Lakers Get Major Jonathan Kuminga Update After Latest NBA Free Agency Moves