One potential name that’s surfaced in trade discussions is Jonathan Kuminga. After declining his $24.3 million team option, Kuminga entered unrestricted free agency. Multiple teams have been linked to the former No. 7 overall pick, including the Lakers and the Cavaliers. With LeBron James’s situation unresolved, Cleveland may be hesitant to allocate significant cap space until they have clarity on James, potentially opening a path for Kuminga to explore opportunities elsewhere.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been mentioned as a possible destination, given their broader goal of adding depth and improving their roster. The Lakers would need to move quickly if they aim to secure Kuminga, as competition for his services could be intense.
How the Lakers can position themselves to land Kuminga
Kuminga, 23, had a turbulent 2025-26 season, moving from the Golden State Warriors to the Hawks amid contract instability. If he reaches unrestricted free agency, teams will have the chance to offer him a fresh start and a clear path to a meaningful role. For the Lakers, acquiring Kuminga would bolster wing depth and provide athletic upside to complement Doncic and D’Angelo Reaves in the backcourt. While Kuminga isn’t a veteran like James, his physical tools and potential could help fill the void left by the superstar’s departure.
To make a move feasible, Los Angeles might consider creative avenues to create cap flexibility. Options could include trading a veteran on the roster, such as Jarred Vanderbilt, or exploring a contract stretch to free up additional space. It’s also plausible that Kuminga could land with a different destination where a more immediate role is available, depending on how other teams negotiate their own cap sheets.
Contract considerations for a Kuminga deal
A shorter-term agreement could be appealing for both sides, such as a two- or three-year contract with a player option. This would allow Kuminga to prove himself while giving the Lakers flexibility to adjust their roster in the near term. The exact terms would need to balance guaranteed money with upside and risk, ensuring that the team preserves future cap flexibility if circumstances change.
The broader race for Kuminga
Beyond the Lakers, other teams are watching Kuminga’s free-agent status closely. The Timberwolves, for example, are exploring ways to fortify frontcourt depth and could view Kuminga as a versatile forward who can contribute on defense and add athleticism to the rotation. Kuminga’s development trajectory has shown promise since his rookie year, and a change of scenery could unlock further growth if the right situation materializes.
Kuminga’s next move will likely hinge on finding a role where he can contribute consistently and grow his game. For the Lakers, securing such a dynamic wing would represent a meaningful upgrade, particularly if they can pair him with Doncic and other young talents to build a cohesive and versatile squad.
In the end, the market for Kuminga remains fluid, with several teams evaluating how a potential fit would align with their long-term plans. As conversations continue, the Lakers’ ability to clear cap space and present a compelling role could determine whether Kuminga lands in Los Angeles or elsewhere.
