Jonathan Kuminga’s free-agency market has been trimmed down to a short list, and the clock is starting to tick with training camp on the horizon.
The 23-year-old forward remains unsigned after his $24.3 million team option was denied, making him an unrestricted free agent. But this has not been a simple search for a new landing spot. Kuminga has been selective about what he’s willing to accept, and that has helped shrink the field.
What started as broad interest has narrowed quickly. The Hawks and Clippers are now out, and the Bucks appear to be more of a fallback possibility than a serious destination. That leaves three teams still in the mix: the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
“The Atlanta Hawks were said to be open to bringing Kuminga back on a minimum deal, but that ship has sailed since adding Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort in trades with the OKC Thunder,” wrote Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. “There hasn’t been much talk about Kuminga going to the Clippers recently, and interest from the Bucks seems like an ‘if all else fails’ option regarding their pursuit of Peyton Watson and Bennedict Mathurin. It looks increasingly likely that Kuminga will end up with the Lakers, Timberwolves, or Cavs.”
Kuminga’s appeal is obvious on paper. The five-year veteran has career averages of 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field.
He brings wing scoring and energy, the kind of production that would look great for a team shopping at the veteran-minimum level. But that’s not the lane he seems to want.
He’s believed to be seeking at least $20 million per year and wants a major role, with the confidence that he deserves a starting job wherever he lands.
That’s where the challenge comes in. The teams still alive in the race each offer something different, but none comes without a catch.
The Lakers have been the most active suitor, and the fit is easy to see. They need help in the frontcourt, and Kuminga could give them another scoring option while helping take pressure off the guards.
There’s also a developmental angle under head coach JJ Redick, who could help him settle into a role. The issue is whether Los Angeles has the flexibility to pull it off.
A sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and/or Jake LaRavia would likely be required.
Minnesota presents a different path. The Timberwolves have already made major additions, including LaMelo Ball and Josh Green, but there’s still room for more.
Kuminga would probably come off the bench there, yet the tradeoff would be a chance to chase another ring. With Anthony Edwards leading the way, he could concentrate on sharpening his own game while fitting into a team with real Western Conference ambitions.
To make the money work, Minnesota would likely need to move Josh Green or Donte DiVincenzo.
Then there’s Cleveland, where the fit may be the cleanest of all. After missing out on LeBron James, the Cavaliers could turn to Kuminga as a natural answer for the three.
His size and skill set match what they need, and he could provide scoring without needing the offense built around him. If Cleveland is willing to pay, it might be the best basketball fit on the board.
As August gives way to September, a resolution should get closer. But where Kuminga ends up is still very much up in the air.
What is clear is that his asking price and his expectations have made this a tricky market, and he may have to accept less than he wants if he plans to suit up this season. And if history is any guide, he’s not afraid to make the process uncomfortable to get there.
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