Overview
- The Hawks declined Kuminga’s team option, turning him into an unrestricted free agent and opening the door to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.
- Los Angeles has proposed a two-year structure worth roughly $20 million total but league reporting says Atlanta would value a package that includes Jarred Vanderbilt plus the Lakers’ 2032 first‑round pick swap.
- Atlanta has pushed back on taking back Vanderbilt’s salary, creating the main obstacle and prompting the Lakers to explore three‑team or alternative packages to move Vanderbilt elsewhere.
- Kuminga’s camp has softened its stance and is open to creative, below‑salary structures, and one reported framework would allow the Lakers to pay about $21.5 million in year one while staying under the NBA’s first apron.
- If the sign-and-trade fails, the Lakers are weighing other wing targets and teams such as Cleveland and Sacramento are expected to remain suitors, making this a pivotal negotiation for all parties.