As the NBA offseason rolls on, young forward Jonathan Kuminga continues to negotiate his next NBA contract. After his $24.3 million team option was denied, the former NBA champion became an unrestricted free agent, but he’s been very particular about what he’s willing to sign.
Initially, multiple teams were expressing some level of interest in Kuminga, but at least two (the Hawks and Clippers) have had to back out as the summer has progressed. As it stands, only three teams are left in the race: the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“The Atlanta Hawks were said to be open to bringing Kuminga back on a minimum deal, but that ship has sailed since adding Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort in trades with the OKC Thunder,” wrote Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. “There hasn’t been much talk about Kuminga going to the Clippers recently, and interest from the Bucks seems like an ‘if all else fails’ option regarding their pursuit of Peyton Watson and Bennedict Mathurin. It looks increasingly likely that Kuminga will end up with the Lakers, Timberwolves, or Cavs.”
Kuminga, 23, is arguably the best free agent available at his position. The five-year veteran doesn’t have the best reputation for stability, but he provides a nice spark on the wing with career averages of 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 47.5% shooting. On paper, he’s a dream addition for the veteran minimum, but he’s known to be seeking at least $20 million per year. He also, seemingly, wants the promise of a major role on his next team, believing he’s worthy of a starting spot in any lineup.
It remains to be seen which team will concede to those conditions, but Kuminga is running out of options. Now, with the Hawks, Clippers, and Bucks likely out of the running, it only leaves three potential teams, and each offers a unique situation.
The Lakers have, arguably, been the most aggressive team for Jonathan. With a hole in the frontcourt, Kuminga makes a solid option to help space the floor and ease scoring pressure from the guards. Under head coach JJ Redick, he could mature as a player and learn how to accept whatever role he’s given. Of course, with such limited assets to spare, it’s questionable if the Lakers even have the means to add Kuminga right now. At the very least, his addition would require a sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and/or Jake LaRavia.
The Minnesota Timberwolves already made some major additions (LaMelo Ball, Josh Green), but there’s always room for more. While Kuminga would likely have to take a bench role, joining the Wolves would be his best chance to win another ring. With Anthony Edwards leading the way, he could focus on maximizing his own game while helping become a dynasty in the Western Conference. It’s unclear how much the Timberwolves would be willing to give up for Kuminga, but they would surely need to part with Josh Green or Donte DiVincenzo to make the money work.
Finally, there’s the Cleveland Cavaliers. After striking out on LeBron James, Kuminga is a natural choice. He has the right size and skillset to fill their needs at the three, and he could act as a scoring threat without demanding the ball. When it comes to fit, the Cavaliers may be the best team for Kuminga if they’re willing to pay the price for his services.
As August turns to September, we can expect Kuminga to come closer to a deal, but it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll end up. Either way, with such a complicated history and a self-valuation that goes beyond his own market value, the young swingman may have to settle for a less desirable contract if he wants to play this upcoming season. Then again, we’ve seen before that he’s willing to make things uncomfortable to get his way.
