​The Lakers have signaled that the rest of their summer hinges largely on landing one key player: forward Jonathan Kuminga, whose stint with the Warriors ended abruptly when he was traded to Atlanta at last year’s trade deadline. Atlanta chose not to pick up Kuminga’s option last week, effectively ending their immediate commitment to him, but they still retain his rights. That dynamic could prove pivotal for the Lakers if Atlanta agrees to a sign-and-trade for Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers have already offered Kuminga two years and $20 million, plus a player option for next summer. Kuminga’s camp, however, is seeking a richer payout given his extraordinary athletic tools and potential, even though his production has not always been consistent. This sets up a potential window where a sign-and-trade could unlock Kuminga’s long-term value for the Lakers, while allowing Atlanta to recoup some immediate benefit.
On Wednesday, new reports suggested that the Lakers could be in a favorable position to land Kuminga. The Hawks, according to the California Post, are open to sending Kuminga to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade, even if that means accepting Jarred Vanderbilt as contract ballast. The Lakers have been trying to move Vanderbilt, who is slated to earn $12.5 million next season and more than $13 million the following year, as part of a broader plan to create the cap space needed to offer Kuminga a more substantial deal. A sign-and-trade with Atlanta would bypass extra intermediaries and give the Lakers access to what they consider a cornerstone piece for their summer blueprint.
Khobi Price of the Post wrote on Wednesday that a straightforward $10 million annual salary would not be enough to consummate a deal now. Kuminga’s side believes there are better options for him if he were to join the Lakers, with the primary pathway being a sign-and-trade with the Hawks. This arrangement would enable Kuminga to command a higher salary than the Lakers could offer as an unrestricted free agent.
A source told the Post that the Hawks are willing to engage in a sign-and-trade with the Lakers, anchored by Kuminga moving to L.A. and Atlanta receiving Vanderbilt along with the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap—the Lakers’ single available first-round asset this summer. In addition to that, Los Angeles possesses three second-round picks that could be leveraged in negotiations. The franchise’s draft-pick stock has been significantly depleted after two first-round selections were traded to secure Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz to begin the summer, and two additional swap options were cashed in during that deal. As a result, the 2032 swap stands as the Lakers’ only major draft asset left at this stage.
Even as the Lakers entertain the idea of a Kuminga sign-and-trade, a notable obstacle remains: NBA rules require Kuminga to sign at least a three-year contract if he engages in a sign-and-trade. The Lakers’ approach to Kuminga has been framed around presenting him with a starting role on a competitive, high-profile team at a modest initial figure, with the expectation that he would test the market again in free agency next summer for a more lucrative deal.
The potential Kuminga pursuit aligns with the broader objective of elevating the Lakers’ roster depth and upside while preserving financial flexibility for other offseason moves. If the Hawks are amenable to a sign-and-trade that includes Vanderbilt and the 2032 swap, the Lakers could secure Kuminga’s services and position him as a central figure in their plans for the coming seasons. The question remains whether Kuminga’s camp will accept the terms, or whether Atlanta’s willingness to move him in a sign-and-trade will translate into a longer-term commitment from Kuminga and the opportunity for Los Angeles to maximize his developmental trajectory and on-court impact.