Lakers, Cavaliers get $18M contract update on Ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga amid free agency

Lakers, Cavaliers get $18M contract update on Ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga amid free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are fully invested in trying to land Jonathan Kuminga as they continue working toward a deal. Kuminga remains one of the most intriguing young players on the market, with plenty of room to develop.

Both teams believe he could step into their starting lineup next season. The biggest obstacle, however, remains the amount of money he is seeking.

“Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

Kuminga’s most realistic path to either team is through a sign-and-trade, which is what has made negotiations so complicated. The Atlanta Hawks are already over the roster limit, meaning any trade would have to provide significant value in return.

“Whatever deal could happen will likely be a sign-and-trade. So that’s where both the Lakers and Cavs would need the Hawks to work with them on a Kuminga deal. They would also have to get Kuminga on the same page with them all in a potential deal,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.

Neither the Cavaliers nor the Lakers appear willing to meet Kuminga’s original asking price of more than $20 million annually. Instead, both teams have reportedly set their ceiling at around $18 million per season.

“Jonathan Kuminga’s realistic salary range is believed to be around $15-18 million annually. Neither the Cavaliers nor Lakers are willing to offer $20+ million per year, which was the original asking price. A sign-and-trade with Kuminga is gathering momentum behind the scenes,” Sidery posted.

If Kuminga wants to leave Atlanta, he will likely have to lower his asking price. Neither Cleveland nor Los Angeles has the financial flexibility to meet his initial contract demands.

The NBA champion may ultimately have to accept a smaller deal than he originally envisioned. Both teams have reportedly established their price range, leaving the next move up to Kuminga if he wants a deal completed.

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