Full Breakdown
Jonathan Kuminga’s Future in Limbo After Atlanta’s Lu Dort Trade
7/20/2026, 12:43:21 PM
Core Event
On Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks completed a three-team deal that sent veteran wing Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder to Atlanta, added guard Ryan Nembhard, and sent former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks. The move solidified the Hawks’ perimeter defense and, according to multiple analysts, effectively ends Jonathan Kuminga’s short-lived tenure with the franchise after just 16 regular-season games and six playoff appearances.
Background & Context
Kuminga was acquired by Atlanta from the Golden State Warriors in February 2024. The Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option earlier this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent. The team’s recent focus on defensive depth—adding Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Aaron Wiggins, and now Lu Dort—has left little roster space for Kuminga, whose role had already diminished.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jonathan Kuminga – 23-year-old forward, unrestricted free agent.
- Lu Dort – Defensive specialist acquired by Atlanta.
- Onsi Saleh – President of Basketball Operations, Atlanta Hawks.
- Anthony Irwin – Lakers insider.
- Jake Fischer – Reporter covering the Lakers-Hawks negotiations.
- Khobi Price – California Post journalist tracking contract expectations.
Data & Statistics
- Kuminga’s declined option: $24.3 million for the 2024-25 season.
- Lu Dort’s contract for 2024-25: $17.7 million (final year).
- Lakers’ remaining cap space: ?$10 million annually for a Kuminga deal (per Price).
- Lakers’ draft assets: a 2032 first-round pick swap and three future second-round picks (2031-33).
Why It Matters
The Hawks now possess a fully stocked wing rotation, reducing the incentive to re-sign Kuminga or include him in a sign-and-trade. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the trade removes a potential third-team partner that could absorb salary in a sign-and-trade, forcing the club to consider a veteran-minimum contract or wait for Kuminga to accept a short-term, lower-value deal. Kuminga’s market value has already slipped after a modest stint with Atlanta, influencing the broader free-agency dynamics for young forwards.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Hawks publicly confirmed the Lu Dort acquisition and the simultaneous decline of Kuminga’s option, emphasizing a “smart, disciplined” approach to roster construction.
- Lakers front office remarks, reported by multiple outlets, indicate continued interest in Kuminga but acknowledge limited financial flexibility, noting the team “does not have the bi-annual exception on hand.”
- Kuminga’s camp is said to be seeking a contract in the “$25 million per year” range, while the Lakers’ willingness is reported at roughly “$10 million annually.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue the Lakers’ lack of draft compensation and constrained cap space make a sign-and-trade “unlikely without a third team willing to absorb Jarred Vanderbilt’s salary.” The Hawks’ decision to add another high-salary wing further diminishes Kuminga’s bargaining power, prompting criticism that Atlanta is “closing the door” on a player they once invested a first-overall pick in.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Some sources suggest the Los Angeles Lakers remain the “top remaining target,” while others note possible interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers contingent on LeBron James’ free-agency decision.
- No definitive timeline exists for when Kuminga will sign, and the exact terms of any potential third-team involvement remain unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Returning to the Hawks doesn’t feel like an option for Kuminga. If LeBron James goes to the Cleveland Cavaliers, I have no idea what options other than the Lakers he has. If he wants to get paid a reasonable amount, he’s gotta be hoping Atlanta changes the stance they currently have on a sign and trade.” — Anthony Irwin, Lakers insider
- “The Lakers have called the Thunder about swingman Lu Dort’s availability,” — Jake Fischer, reporter
- “Fischer has reported the forward is seeking a deal in the range of $25 million per year, while Price reported the Lakers’ willingness had reached only about $10 million annually.” — Khobi Price, California Post
- “The Lakers used their room exception on Collin Sexton, and do not have the bi-annual exception on hand.” — Heavy.com analysis (attributed to league financial reporting)
What’s Next
The Hawks have projected over $40 million of cap space for the summer of 2027, while the Lakers must decide whether to pursue a veteran-minimum contract for Kuminga or wait for a possible third-team arrangement. Kuminga’s free-agency negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days as the league’s “second wave” of signings approaches.
