The Lakers and Cavaliers are still in the hunt for Jonathan Kuminga, but the money is already drawing a hard line.
Both teams are working toward a deal for the former Warriors NBA champion, and both believe he could crack their starting lineup next season. The catch is simple: Kuminga wants more than $20 million a year, and neither Los Angeles nor Cleveland sounds ready to go there.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery laid out where things stand, writing, “Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga,”
That sign-and-trade route appears to be the most realistic path, but it also makes the whole process more complicated. ESPN’s Shams Charania said, “Whatever deal could happen will likely be a sign-and-trade.
So that's where both the Lakers and Cavs would need the Hawks to work with them on a Kuminga deal. They would also have to get Kuminga on the same page with them all in a potential deal,”
The Hawks’ roster situation adds another layer to the problem, since they are already over the roster limit and would need real value back in any move. That leaves the Lakers and Cavaliers trying to thread a narrow needle with Atlanta and Kuminga at the same time.
Sidery also posted that, “Jonathan Kuminga’s realistic salary range is believed to be around $15-18 million annually. Neither the Cavaliers nor Lakers are willing to offer $20+ million per year, which was the original asking price. A sign-and-trade with Kuminga is gathering momentum behind the scenes,”
For now, the message from both suitors is clear. They want Kuminga, but only at a number that fits their plans. If he wants to get out of Atlanta, he may have to come down from his original price.
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