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Jonathan Kuminga faces new roadblock that could aid the Lakers
Jonathan Kuminga's trade market has shrunk following recent moves by other teams, leaving the Lakers as a likely destination despite stalled negotiations. The Hawks' demands and contract complexities continue to complicate a potential sign-and-trade.
Kuminga's Options Narrow as Lakers, Hawks Remain at Impasse
The NBA offseason is drawing to a close with the Jonathan Kuminga saga still unresolved, but recent developments across the league have dramatically narrowed the forward's options, positioning the Los Angeles Lakers as the frontrunners for his services.
According to NBC's Kurt Helin, Kuminga might prefer playing for the Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the other team seen as a primary suitor. However, a deal remains far from complete, with stalled trade talks and a complex contract situation clouding the path forward.
Market Shrinks for Kuminga
The complexion of Kuminga's market shifted significantly after the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson, which also involved the Los Angeles Clippers. That move, along with the Clippers' acquisition of Max Strus, effectively removed those two teams from the Kuminga sweepstakes. The DeMar DeRozan signing and the Klay Thompson acquisition further reshaped the landscape, leaving the Lakers and Timberwolves as the most prominent remaining destinations.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the Lakers are the likely frontrunners, but he cautioned that a straight-up sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks is improbable, making a three-team deal the most plausible route for a deal to get done.
Contract Sticking Points
At the heart of the impasse is the contract. Kuminga has reportedly turned down a two-year, $20 million offer from the Lakers, seeking a deal worth between $16 million and $20 million annually. Brett Siegel reported that the Lakers offered around $10 million annually in early July. The Hawks, who control Kuminga's rights, are said to be demanding significant draft capital, a sticking point that caused early talks to stall.
The Lakers are reportedly reluctant to part with valuable assets and have few players on attractive contracts to include in a deal. Jaden Hardy, set to make $6 million this season, has emerged as a likely trade chip, while Jarred Vanderbilt's $12.4 million salary has also been discussed. However, the Hawks have shown little interest in taking on long-term money, further complicating negotiations.
Analysts suggest the Hawks could use a sign-and-trade to open a trade exception or shed unwanted salary, potentially involving players like Corey Kispert or Buddy Hield. The Lakers could offer a 2032 first-round pick swap or include young players like Dalton Knecht or Jake LaRavia, though none of these pieces are considered particularly attractive to a team looking to rebuild quickly.
Derrick Jones Jr.: A Fallback Option
If a Kuminga deal cannot be reached, the Lakers may pivot to another athletic forward. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Clippers are interested in trading Derrick Jones Jr., who is entering the final season of a three-year, $30 million contract. Jones, who would make $10 million next season, averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season.
Maxwell Ogden of LakeShowLife called Jones a 'dream outcome' target, citing his athleticism and defensive impact. Trade proposals have included the Lakers sending out Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, and a future second-round pick, or a package built around Jarred Vanderbilt. However, Jones would represent a secondary option if the Kuminga pursuit falls through.
The Road Ahead
As the Lakers returned from a team-bonding trip to Slovenia without making any major personnel moves, the pressure is mounting to resolve their roster situation. The team currently has 16 players under contract and must trim that to 15 before the season begins. Kuminga's list of suitors continues to shrink, and the Lakers appear to be the most likely landing spot if a deal can be reached. However, with the Hawks' hardline negotiating stance and limited trade assets, the two sides remain at an impasse. The coming days are likely to determine whether Kuminga lands in Los Angeles or if the Lakers turn their attention elsewhere.
How each outlet told it
Heavy.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a growing obstacle in the Lakers' pursuit of Kuminga, focusing on trade complications and Timberwolves' interest. — Cautiously optimistic but wary, with quotes like 'nothing has happened yet' and 'it’s hard not to see another team involved.'
Facts Included:
Jonathan Kuminga might prefer to play for the Lakers over the Timberwolves, per NBC's Kurt Helin.
Trade talks have stalled due to inability to agree on a new contract.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said a straight-up sign-and-trade with the Hawks is unlikely, likely needing a three-team deal.
Windhorst mentioned Jaden Hardy as the likely trade chip (makes $6 million this season), previously Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million).
Kuminga turned down a two-year, $20 million offer from the Lakers, seeking $16-20 million annually.
Brett Siegel reported Lakers offered around $10 million annually in early July.
Timberwolves can likely only give roughly $6 million, but could create financial flexibility.
Windhorst said 'Watch the Wolves in the next couple days' as other doors close.
Framing: Headline highlights a 'dream' trade target becoming available as a fallback, emphasizing opportunity. — Optimistic and pragmatic, with phrases like 'viable trade target' and 'dream outcome,' while noting the need for a low price.
Facts Included:
Lakers are interested in Derrick Jones Jr. as a potential trade target if Kuminga deal falls through.
Report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints says Clippers are interested in trading Jones.
Jones is entering the final season of a three-year, $30 million contract, set to make $10 million next season.
Jones averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 50 games last season.
Jones is 29 years old.
Maxwell Ogden of LakeShowLife called Jones a 'dream outcome' target, citing his athleticism and defensive impact.
Trade proposal from Pijus Sapetka of Basketnews: Lakers receive Jones; Clippers receive Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, and a 2031 Wizards second-round pick.
Alternative trade idea: Lakers add Jones for Jarred Vanderbilt and the same second-round pick.
Framing: Headline: 'Klay Thompson's Heat move could signal coming Jarred Vanderbilt reality for Lakers' – ties a specific player move to implications for Vanderbilt. — Pessimistic and resigned, with phrases like 'could be stuck' and 'rough financial mismatch.'
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson would have been a flawed option for Lakers due to defensive decline and offensive decline.
Before his buyout from Dallas Mavericks, Marc Stein reported Masai Ujiri preferred to trade Thompson.
Christian Clark of The Athletic highlighted Klay would welcome return to Los Angeles.
Jarred Vanderbilt's deal lined up with Thompson's financially.
Thompson would have arrived as an expiring contract, clearing an extra year of bad salary.
Lakers may need to offload Vanderbilt's money in a Kuminga sign-and-trade.
Vanderbilt has roughly $25.7 million over two years.
Vanderbilt is slated to be sixth most expensive player on Lakers roster in 2026-27 without being sixth best.
Atlanta Hawks said to not be interested in taking on Vanderbilt's money in potential Kuminga sign-and-trade.
Waive-and-stretch option has downside for Lakers' future free agency.
Vanderbilt might be secure on roster for another season.
Framing: Headline: 'Lakers' Slovenia trip comes to an end without a worst' – likely a typo, but emphasizes the trip's uneventful nature regarding roster moves. — Relieved and cautiously optimistic, with phrases like 'much-needed win' and 'can be chalked up as a win for everyone.'
Facts Included:
Lakers returned from Slovenia trip without major personnel changes.
No trades, signings, or sign-and-trades occurred during the trip.
Lakers roster remains one player heavy at 16.
The trip included tourism, bonding, and basketball tune-up.
Kuminga could still be weighing options after Peyton Watson got resolution.
Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers involved in Watson sign-and-trade.
Kuminga's suitors list shrinking; Lakers look like one of two leading options.
Potential outgoing package for Kuminga could include Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, and Jake LaRavia.
Framing: Headline: 'The Pros and Cons of The Hawks Signing' – focuses on the Hawks' perspective, not Lakers. (Note: truncated headline, but angle is analysis of pros/cons for Atlanta.) — Analytical and neutral, with phrases like 'they are only going to agree if it benefits them' and 'I don't think a two-team deal seems likely.'
Facts Included:
Options for Kuminga are dwindling after Peyton Watson sign-and-trade with Cleveland Cavaliers.
Clippers took on Max Strus, likely out of running for Kuminga.
Lakers had heavy discussions with Kuminga in early July but no deal.
Hawks are only going to agree to a sign-and-trade if it benefits them.
Hawks could open a trade exception or shed unwanted salary.
Players like Corey Kispert or Buddy Hield could be on the move, possibly with draft capital.
Lakers could offer 2032 first-round pick swap.
Lakers have few valuable trade pieces; players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia not attractive to Hawks.
Hawks over roster limit.
Bottom line: two-team deal unlikely; Lakers most likely option if a deal works.
Framing: Headline: 'Jonathan Kuminga faces new roadblock that could aid the Lakers' – frames the roadblock as beneficial to Lakers. — Opportunistic and confident, with phrases like 'happy camper' and 'timing could not get any better.'
Facts Included:
Jonathan Kuminga situation remains unresolved as offseason nears end.
Recent developments (Peyton Watson trade, DeMar DeRozan signing, Klay Thompson acquisition) have taken teams out of running for Kuminga.
Market whispers point to Los Angeles as strongest bidder.
Minnesota Timberwolves floated as potential landing spot after missing out on LeBron James bidding war.
Timberwolves pose a threat but only one team to beat.
Bigger obstacle is Hawks being greedy about draft capital, which was reason early talks stalled.
Hawks' leverage probably watered down since Kuminga has fewer options.
Lakers lag behind other powerhouses out West, need to shore up thin forward rotation.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimJonathan Kuminga might prefer to play for the Lakers over the Timberwolves, per NBC's Kurt Helin.