Ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga only has one realistic path to join 17-time NBA champions

Ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga only has one realistic path to join 17-time NBA champions originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Jonathan Kuminga saga has been a battle, to say the least. The biggest challenge has been getting Kuminga to agree to a deal that would bring him to Los Angeles’ revamped roster.

Other obstacles have emerged throughout the process, but the Lakers have remained confident that they can reach an agreement. In fact, Los Angeles has already presented Kuminga and his camp with a contract offer.

“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

The only team that has emerged as a serious threat is the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, things appear to be trending in the Lakers’ favor, as Cleveland has shifted its focus to Denver Nuggets young star Peyton Watson.

“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues,” Sidery wrote.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings have also shown interest, but both teams have only been willing to offer the veteran’s minimum. Kuminga has no interest in accepting that type of deal, leaving the Lakers as the only realistic destination that meets his contract expectations.

“Jonathan Kuminga is not willing to sign with any team on a one-year prove-it deal at the veteran’s minimum. The Kings and Timberwolves recently expressed interest in Kuminga, but the minimum salary made negotiations a no-go. The Lakers remain the favorites to acquire Kuminga,” Sidery posted.

The Lakers have to feel good about where they stand, and they currently appear to be the only team with a legitimate chance of landing Kuminga. The Cavaliers have pivoted in another direction, while the Kings and Timberwolves simply cannot offer the type of contract he is seeking.

Los Angeles also has the strongest recruiting pitch. The opportunity to play alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in a featured role is something few teams can match. Joining the Lakers appears to be the only realistic move Kuminga can make while securing the contract he wants.

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