Overview
- Reporting Friday shows the Lakers moved to the top of Kuminga’s market after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson, which removed a major rival for the free agent.
- Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned and his camp is holding out for higher annual pay and shorter-term guarantees than current sign-and-trade offers have provided.
- Because the Hawks kept Kuminga’s Bird rights, any high-value move must be a sign-and-trade in which Atlanta agrees to a contract and receives compensation from the acquiring team.
- Atlanta has reportedly preferred receiving draft picks instead of taking back players, and the Lakers have limited draft capital and are at 16 roster spots, so Los Angeles would need to move salary or assets to create space.
- To finish the deal the Lakers would likely need to trade a contract like Jarred Vanderbilt’s or surrender draft assets, and if they cannot meet Atlanta’s terms the market could reopen to the Timberwolves or other suitors.