Lakers reportedly in active discussions with Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade

Lakers reportedly in active discussions with Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in former Golden State Warriors NBA champion forward Jonathan Kuminga. 

While there were rumors that the 17-time NBA champions could simply strike a free agent deal with Kuminga this offseason, a potential sign-and-trade opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks recently emerged. 

According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Lakers are in active sign-and-trade discussions with the Hawks for Kuminga.

“The Lakers are in active discussions with the Hawks to complete a sign-and-trade soon for Jonathan Kuminga,” Sidery wrote on X/Twitter Friday.

“Kuminga’s preferred destination is Los Angeles after being aggressively pitched by Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick. LA’s final big need is a starting wing, which Kuminga fills.”

According to The California Post’s Khobi Price, a sign-and-trade package centered on Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap could get the job done for the Lakers. Kuminga started the 2025-26 campaign with the Warriors. 

However, after landing in Steve Kerr’s doghouse and eventually being placed on the trade block, the Dubs shipped the former lottery pick and Buddy Hield to the Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. 

Kuminga, who’s shown promise as a downhill-first offensive threat and top-tier vertical athlete, averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with the Warriors and Hawks last year, shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

The Lakers are undoubtedly all-in on pairing Luka Doncic with the 23-year-old forward, which, if everything goes as planned, should result in a deal that would appease Los Angeles.

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