Lakers reportedly have sign-and-trade offer on the table for ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga
· Yahoo Sports
Lakers reportedly have sign-and-trade offer on the table for ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are heavily invested in getting a deal done for former Golden State Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga. The NBA champion is a restricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his team option for the upcoming season.
Visit moryak.biz for more information.
The Lakers are trying to find a way to replace LeBron James after he informed the organization that he would not return for his ninth season in Los Angeles. However, Kuminga is looking for a significant contract.
“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,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
The good news for the Lakers is that the Cleveland Cavaliers may have removed themselves from the race for Kuminga after signing Mario Hezonja.
“With Hezonja heading to Cleveland, that leaves one suitor for Jonathan Kuminga: The Los Angeles Lakers. I would expect a sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt to be completed there with the Hawks,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.
The Hawks have been difficult to negotiate with throughout the sign-and-trade process, making it challenging for Los Angeles to complete a deal. However, the Lakers have reportedly made a new offer to Atlanta for Kuminga.
“The Lakers have a firm sign-and-trade offer on the table for Jonathan Kuminga. Los Angeles is willing to send the Hawks Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital. Kuminga will likely have to lower his asking price on annual salary, as the market for $20+ million isn’t there,” Sidery wrote.
Vanderbilt alone has not been enough to convince the Hawks to make a move, but the addition of draft capital could potentially change the situation. The Lakers have been intrigued by the possibility of adding Kuminga to a starting lineup featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles is looking to remain a contender in the Western Conference and believes Kuminga could help accomplish that goal. He would bring versatility, defensive ability, and elite athleticism that could help open up the floor alongside the Lakers’ stars.
More NBA news:
- Cavs predicted to pass on Jonathan Kuminga, trade for $80M NBA champion in 4-team blockbuster
- Heat predicted to sign $342M 14-year veteran, 3-time All-Star to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Warriors predicted to sign $305M Future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star after missing on LeBron James
- 76ers trade former SEC star to finalize superstar LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signings