Story perspectives

Lakers chase Kuminga in sign-and-trade with Hawks

7/9/2026

Summary

Lakers Target Kuminga

Lakers are pursuing a sign-and-trade with Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, prompting the Lakers to offer a two-year, $20 million deal.
The sign-and-trade would let Kuminga earn more than $10 million under NBA salary rules.
The Hawks would receive Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap.
The Lakers could add three second-round picks or players like Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia to match salaries.

Summary

Cavaliers Pursue Kuminga

Cleveland Cavaliers stay interested in Kuminga because he trusts coach Kenny Atkinson, his mentor for three seasons.
Sacramento Kings revived pursuit and need a sign-and-trade because of cap limits.
Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million option, preserving Bird rights and trade leverage.
LeBron James’s free-agency choice influences Kuminga, who could join Cleveland to play with the star.

History

Historical Context

The NBA’s six-year collective bargaining agreement begun in September 1995 and the 2011 CBA together define sign-and-trade rules, requiring a contract of at least three years with the first year guaranteed and limiting trades to players still on their former team’s roster. Consequently, franchises like the Lakers and Cavaliers now use the tool to acquire players such as Jonathan Kuminga.

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Lakers Target Kuminga

Lakers are pursuing a sign-and-trade with Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, prompting the Lakers to offer a two-year, $20 million deal.
The sign-and-trade would let Kuminga earn more than $10 million under NBA salary rules.
The Hawks would receive Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap.
The Lakers could add three second-round picks or players like Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia to match salaries.

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