Jonathan Kuminga’s next deal is shaping up to be a tough market, and the number he wants may be the biggest reason why.
NBA insider Jake L. Fischer said on the Bleacher Report livestream at Summer League in Vegas that Kuminga is aiming well above the $25 million range he got from Golden State last year.
Fischer put it plainly: “I do believe that Kuminga is looking for something more than that $25 million ballpark that he landed last year from Golden State,” Fischer said. “Quite frankly, I find it difficult to imagine he’s going to find that number on this marketplace.”
Marc Stein pushed the point even further, asking, “If he can get 20 over two at this point in the summer, given where the other cap space?” Stein responded. “There’s no cap space left anywhere, really.”
That matters because the Lakers have been linked to Kuminga as one of their top 2026 free agency targets, but they do not have much room to work with. Fischer also confirmed a previous report that Los Angeles offered him a two-year, $20 million deal more than once, and Kuminga turned it down.
The Lakers are not alone in the chase. The Bucks and Cavaliers have also been mentioned as interested teams, but both have their own complications.
Cleveland still has to sort out what to do about James Harden and its potential interest in signing LeBron James before turning its attention to Kuminga. Milwaukee, meanwhile, would need to clear space by waiving players, and that comes as the team tries to reset after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kuminga’s own expectations remain high. He is reportedly looking for a contract with an annual average value close to $25 million, even though the market appears to be moving in the other direction.
The Hawks are part of the equation too. They rejected his $24.5 million team option in an effort to help him find a new landing spot and make a sign-and-trade work, but the front office apparently did not view him as worth that figure in the first place. Fischer said the Lakers would also need Atlanta to cooperate in a sign-and-trade, and that does not sound like a simple path.
Kuminga’s 2025-26 season was uneven before the move to Atlanta. He spent a large stretch on the Warriors’ bench, then finished the year with the Hawks, putting up 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three in 36 games.
For now, the Lakers may be the most motivated team in the mix, especially if Kuminga is willing to prioritize opportunity over the biggest possible payday. But based on what Fischer reported, the contract he wants may be higher than what this market is ready to give.
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