Overview
- Atlanta declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on June 29, 2026, which immediately made the 23-year-old an unrestricted free agent.
- Kuminga played 16 games for the Hawks after a midseason trade from Golden State, averaging about 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 22 minutes per game.
- The Hawks explored trade options in recent weeks but opted to decline the option to avoid the salary commitment and to create roster and cap flexibility.
- Declining the option gives Atlanta access to the full $15 million non-tax midlevel exception and moves the team further below tax and apron thresholds, allowing them to prioritize younger pieces such as Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
- Teams including the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers are reported to be re-evaluating interest in Kuminga, who may now sign a smaller, negotiated deal or return to Atlanta at a lower salary.