The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in a potential sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga. The Atlanta Hawks seem to be done with him after just half a season, and now, they could be ready to move on. But if the Lakers give up what the Hawks supposedly want – a first-round pick swap in 2032 – it would be a terrible decision. They’d be giving up what even the Golden State Warriors couldn’t get back in a deal.
Khobi Price of the New York Post put out the report that Atlanta would be interested in a deal that included Jarred Vanderbilt and a pick swap: “A source told the Post the Hawks are willing to execute a sign-and-trade with the Lakers around the framework of Kuminga going to L.A. and the Hawks receiving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap – the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this summer.”
If the Lakers pay that price, they would come to regret it, especially with how little flexibility they have after the Walker Kessler trade.
Lakers should not give up a first for Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga has shown plenty of potential throughout the course of his young career. When he was on the Warriors, it always felt like he was a change of scenery away from blossoming into a star.
The harsh reality is that Kuminga just didn’t fit well in Golden State. He never managed to work smoothly alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. At least, not consistently.
When Kuminga finally did get a change of scenery – a trade to the Hawks that didn’t even net the Warriors a draft pick – it looked like a golden opportunity for him. And right away, he started to prove it with a few big-time performances.
However, Kuminga’s effectiveness slowly faded. His counting stats were fine, but they didn’t take a huge jump from the numbers he was putting up when he was on the Warriors.
And now, there’s a reason that the Hawks declined Kuminga’s team option. There’s a reason that Kuminga is already being thrown into trade rumors all over again.
If Kuminga wants to be the best version of himself – or at least what he believes to be the best version of himself – he needs the ball in his hands. That’s what he’s always wanted.
Giving up a first-round swap for Kuminga would be a huge mistake for the Lakers. They should not be in the Kuminga business this summer.
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