Jonathan Kuminga’s Free-Agency Crossroads: Lakers vs. Timberwolves

Jonathan Kuminga entered unrestricted free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option. The primary suitors are the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers are pursuing a sign-and-trade that would likely involve guard Jaden Hardy, while the Timberwolves can sign Kuminga directly using their $6.06 million mid-level exception. Negotiations have stalled and the forward must decide soon to join a new roster for the 2026-27 season.

Sports IllustratedJonathan Kuminga appears to prefer one of his suitors over the other Bleacher ReportSports IllustratedHeavy

The Hawks acquired Kuminga at the 2024 deadline from Golden State, but general manager Onsi Saleh has stated that Kuminga does not fit the franchise’s long-term vision. Recent free-agent moves—Klay Thompson to Miami and DeMar DeRozan to Denver—have narrowed the market, leaving the Lakers and Timberwolves as the most realistic destinations. The Lakers have undergone roster turnover and a coaching change, prompting them to explore multiple avenues for adding a versatile wing.

Bleacher Report

• Team option declined: $24.3 million (Atlanta Hawks).

Sports Illustrated

• Lakers sign-and-trade proposal: three-year, $54 million contract for Kuminga (as outlined in a three-team deal).

Jonathan Kuminga appears to prefer one of his suitors over the other

• Timberwolves route: $6.06 million mid-level exception available for a one-year deal.

Heavy

• Potential trade piece: Jaden Hardy, earning $6 million this season, is the player the Lakers have discussed moving in a sign-and-trade.

Sports Illustrated

• Alternative forward: Derrick Jones Jr., on a three-year, $30 million contract with $10 million due next season, is being linked as a backup option for Los Angeles.

Heavy

• Brian Windhorst, Yardbarker: (see Verbatim Quotes).

NBA Rumors: Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Heat, Nick Richards, Nuggets

• “There’s still a window there for the Lakers to do a Kuminga sign-and-trade using Jaden Hardy,” — Brian Windhorst

NBA Rumors: Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Heat, Nick Richards, Nuggets

• “They have a roster crunch at this point,” — Brett Siegel, of ClutchPoints

Heavy

A detailed three-team scenario has been floated that would send Jonathan Kuminga to the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $54 million deal, with the Hawks receiving forward Jarace Walker, guard Ben Sheppard, and a 2027 second-round pick. The Pacers would also acquire forward Bilal Coulibaly and a 2033 second-round pick, while the Washington Wizards would obtain Obi Toppin, Quenton Jackson, and a 2030 first-round pick swap. The Lakers’ renewed talks focus on swapping Jaden Hardy rather than the previously discussed Jared Vanderbilt.

Sports Illustrated

For the Lakers, securing Kuminga would provide an immediate starter at power forward alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, addressing a need for a “bigger wing” identified by analysts. If a sign-and-trade cannot be finalized, the team may pivot to Derrick Jones Jr., whose contract is expiring and whose skill set aligns with Los Angeles’ defensive and shooting schemes. The Timberwolves, by contrast, could add Kuminga without sacrificing assets, offering him a “prove-it” year while maintaining flexibility under the mid-level exception.

Jonathan Kuminga appears to prefer one of his suitors over the other

The Lakers must resolve the sign-and-trade before training camp begins in early October, or they risk losing Kuminga to Minnesota or another contender. The Timberwolves remain positioned to sign him outright if the Lakers’ negotiations stall. Both clubs are expected to finalize their decisions in the weeks leading up to the preseason roster deadline.

Sports Illustrated