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Kuminga Free Agency Stalls as Lakers and Cavaliers Seek Sign‑and‑Trade

Salary‑cap rules plus the player's demand for more than $20 million a year mean any move requires a Hawks‑approved sign‑and‑trade.

Overview

  • Jonathan Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option this offseason and he remains unsigned as of Tuesday.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are the most active suitors but both teams face roster and financial limits that make a straightforward signing unlikely.
  • Any acquisition will probably need a sign‑and‑trade because Atlanta kept Bird rights and expects meaningful return, which has left teams trying to match salary and offer acceptable assets.
  • Kuminga's camp is seeking a multi‑year contract paying north of $20 million per season, a demand that has narrowed realistic suitors and slowed negotiations.
  • If Kuminga holds firm on price the stalemate could stretch through the rest of the offseason and reduce his near‑term earnings unless a team assembles the exact salary and assets Atlanta will accept.