The Lakers and Cavaliers are circling the same offseason names, and both situations may be close to breaking.
Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson have emerged as the two players at the center of the latest buzz, with Los Angeles and Cleveland both tied to the next move. Kuminga, the former Golden State Warriors champion, has been on the Lakers’ radar all summer, and the Cavaliers have stayed in the mix as well.
SI’s Jackson Caudell pointed to Los Angeles and Cleveland as the most likely outcomes for Kuminga, with a sign-and-trade the expected path.
“The Lakers and Cavaliers still seem like the most likely landing spots for Kuminga, likely by way of sign-and-trade. The Wolves could be a darkhorse if he wants to take a pay cut, as I don't believe Minnesota will want to acquire him via sign-and-trade, and they are the closest of these teams to getting to the NBA Finals," SI's Jackson Caudell wrote.
But Cleveland may not be focused on Kuminga first. Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast suggested the Cavaliers could be waiting on Peyton Watson before turning more seriously to Kuminga.
“I also wonder if he's kind of in the Peyton Watson limbo at the moment where Peyton Watson is higher in the hierarchy than he is. And these teams like Cleveland and Milwaukee are trying to figure out: 'Hey, do we want Peyton Watson or not?' And they're waiting to see if they get Peyton Watson, and if not, maybe Cleveland goes for Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade of sorts,” Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast said.
Evan Sidery also reported that both players could soon have new homes, with Cleveland especially involved in Watson’s market and the Lakers keeping Kuminga as their top wing target.
“Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga are the next big NBA free agent dominoes set to fall soon. Both remain involved with the Cavaliers, more notably Watson, while the Lakers have prioritized Kuminga as their preferred starting wing,” Sidery wrote.
For Los Angeles, Kuminga has been the clear priority throughout the summer. If that doesn’t come together, the Lakers would need to look elsewhere for a starting power forward, either through the trade market or by turning to someone already on the roster.
Cleveland’s path looks different. The Cavaliers have already worked to open up more financial flexibility, and that has put Watson firmly on the table.
A resolution could come quickly. Both teams are still trying to fill important needs, and Cleveland’s cap maneuvering has made it more capable of chasing the players it wants.
In Other News...
Former Cavs Big Lands Intriguing New Role With Real Madrid
The Cavaliers have spent the summer reshaping the back end of the roster, bringing back Thomas Bryant and adding Mario Hezonja from Real Madrid while several other familiar names have moved on. Larry Nance Jr. landed with the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal, Keon Ellis is headed to the Brooklyn Nets, and Dean Wade will continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Clevelands recent big-man churn feeling a little more connected to the league than usual.
Olivier Sarr is now part of that same web, too. After a brief stint with the Cavaliers, he has signed a two-year deal with Real Madrid, joining former Celtics player Max Shulga in the Spanish powerhouses latest roster move. For Cleveland fans, it is another reminder of how often the Cavs supporting cast winds up on the move, and how quickly a players next opportunity can come from an unexpected place. [Read more 🡒]
Cavaliers Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Steal Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the more intriguing names in the market, and the Cavaliers have positioned themselves to stay in the conversation. While the Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, Cleveland has been working to create financial flexibility so it can make its own competitive pitch if the opportunity opens up. For a team looking to keep adding athleticism and upside, Kumingas availability has naturally caught attention.
The wrinkle is that this is shaping up as more than a simple talent chase. Kumingas current value, his fit in a new role, and the terms attached to any deal all matter here, and analysts have already warned against treating him like a player worth paying at any price. Clevelands interest gives this a real second lane, and the next move may hinge on which side is willing to make the stronger contract offer. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Chase Is Taking A Turn Warriors Fans Notice
The chase for Jonathan Kuminga has started to pull in more than one contender, and the Cavaliers are right in the middle of that widening picture. Cleveland has been reshaping its roster and cap outlook, a sign the front office is trying to keep enough flexibility on hand to chase a wing upgrade if the market comes together the right way.
The Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, reportedly around $45 million, with Jarred Vanderbilt and draft capital going to the Hawks in the proposed structure. For Cleveland, the interest matters because it keeps Kuminga in play as the kind of athletic forward the roster still needs, even if the path to getting him is still crowded and nothing has been finalized. [Read more 🡒]