Lakers Pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga Hits Salary and Trade Hurdles

For weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have chased the free‑agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, but financial and trade‑structure snags have put the deal on hold.

Lakers insider Jovan Bu Buha said the franchise had initially aimed for a two‑year, $20 million deal—roughly $10 million per season—below the non‑taxpayer mid‑level exception and low‑risk for the team. However, the Hawks have turned down that structure, insisting on a contract nearer $20 million annually.

Recent roster moves have made a straight signing unfeasible. After re‑signing guard Austin Reaves and adding forward Quentin Grimes, guard Sandro Mamukelashvili, center Kevon Looney, and forward Ziaire Williams, the Lakers exceeded the salary cap, removing the option for a direct deal with Kuminga.

The alternative is a sign‑and‑trade, but the NBA CBA mandates that any player brought in this way sign a contract with a minimum of three guaranteed seasons before any option years. A two‑year offer would violate that rule. Bu Buha proposes a middle ground: a three‑year, $45 million deal—about $15 million annually—that bridges the gap between the Lakers’ original proposal and Kuminga’s demands.

Even if the Lakers and Kuminga find common ground, the Hawks still need to approve the trade. Los Angeles’ available assets are scant. The franchise’s most valuable offering is a 2032 first‑round pick swap, supplemented by three tradable second‑round picks—two of which came from Washington in the Deandre Ayton deal. The most plausible salary‑matching candidates are veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt and guard Dalton Knecht, though neither has attracted substantial interest across the league.

A California Post piece revealed that the Lakers had explored a package featuring Vanderbilt and the 2032 pick swap. Just two days later, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Atlanta had not entertained the idea of reacquiring Vanderbilt in a Kuminga trade. Fischer added that the Lakers are not actively marketing Vanderbilt, implying he remains valued internally but is chiefly a salary‑matching instrument.

Knecht’s trade appeal has dimmed following a uneven 2025‑26 season and a canceled trade with the Charlotte Hornets last year. Lacking a third‑party partner or extra draft compensation, putting together a package that will entice Atlanta remains a daunting challenge.

The Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga remains steadfast. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported Monday that Los Angeles “continues to strongly pursue Jonathan Kuminga as a potential starting forward” even after signing Ziaire Williams to a one‑year deal. The franchise is attracted by Kuminga’s talent and upside, yet financial and trade mechanics complicate the effort.

Kuminga’s contract expectations are unmistakable. He inked a two‑year, $46.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, featuring $22.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $23.4 million. For the 2026‑27 season, his cap hit climbs to $34.975 million. A Lakers offer of $20 million over two years would fall short of his present earnings.

Moving forward, the Lakers must negotiate a contract that satisfies Kuminga’s camp while crafting a sign‑and‑trade package palatable to the Hawks. The franchise’s limited draft assets, coupled with Atlanta’s hesitation to part with core players, amplify the complexity.

In short, the Lakers have pinpointed a player who could step in right away, yet the financial terms and trade mechanics needed to bring Kuminga to Los Angeles stand as the primary obstacles. Whether the franchise can clear these hurdles before the trade deadline remains uncertain.