Story perspectives

Hawks Decline Kuminga Option; Lakers, Bulls Pursue Free Agent

7/22/2026

Summary

Kuminga Free Agency

Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million option, making him a free agent.
Los Angeles Lakers pursued Kuminga but stalled after hesitating to add draft picks.
Chicago Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham expressed interest in Kuminga’s size and athleticism.
Golden State Warriors offered a three-year $75.2 million contract with a third-year option, which Kuminga rejected.
NBA insiders say Kuminga may sign a one-year prove-it deal worth about $6 million or a veteran-minimum contract.

Summary

Lakers Scouting Hire

The Lakers began looking for a second assistant general manager to lead scouting after hiring analytics chief Rohan Ramadas.
Candidates Steve Senior and Prosper Karangwa declined, leaving three domestic and two international scouts on amateur talent.
L.A. signed veteran Kevon Looney and traded for Walker Kessler.
Arthur Kaluma earned a two-way deal after averaging 18.6 points on 60.9 % shooting in the Summer League.

History

Historical Context

2017's collective-bargaining agreement created two-way contracts, letting each NBA team sign two players who split time with its G League affiliate and earn a higher salary plus a prorated NBA rookie minimum. The 2023 CBA expanded slots to three per team, prompting franchises like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls to leverage the flexibility for deeper talent pipelines.

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Kuminga Free Agency

Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million option, making him a free agent.
Los Angeles Lakers pursued Kuminga but stalled after hesitating to add draft picks.
Chicago Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham expressed interest in Kuminga’s size and athleticism.
Golden State Warriors offered a three-year $75.2 million contract with a third-year option, which Kuminga rejected.
NBA insiders say Kuminga may sign a one-year prove-it deal worth about $6 million or a veteran-minimum contract.

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