The Los Angeles Lakers have been embedded in a potential chase for Jonathan Kuminga. He’s currently an unrestricted free agent, but the Atlanta Hawks don’t want to take on any bad money (or, more aptly, long-term money) in a sign-and-trade. Because of that, the LA Clippers may have a better pathway to signing Kuminga.
Right now, the Clippers have a trade exception that they could use to bring Kuminga on board. It’s a $17 million exception from the John Collins deal. That means, if Kuminga were to sign for $17 million or less in the first season, the Clippers could complete a deal without having to send any money back to the Hawks.
From Atlanta’s perspective, that would be a much cleaner deal. And unfortunately for the Lakes, that gives their crosstown rivals a much easier pathway to landing Kuminga.
Lakers would be solid fit for Jonathan Kuminga
Adding Kuminga would be a big win for the Lakers. At this point in his career, Kuminga is looking to prove that he can contribute to winning, and the Lakers would give him the chance to do that.
Not only would he have a legitimate shot at competing for a spot in the starting lineup, but his athleticism would be perfect alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Kuminga would be able to soar for lobs while also creating for himself in a pinch. But right now, it doesn’t look like there is a super clear pathway for a trade.
The Lakers would likely send out Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade with the Hawks, but the Hawks supposedly don’t want to take on the extra year of salary in Vanderbilt’s contract. Thus, a stalemate.
Pathway to Clippers is easier for Jonathan Kuminga
Meanwhile, the Clippers wouldn’t have to worry about that problem. They could simply slot Kuminga into the Collins TPE and send out whatever draft capital the Hawks would want back in a deal.
Kuminga would be a decent fit with the Clippers, too. They are looking to reshape their future a bit, especially once the Kawhi Leonard trade eventually goes through with the Toronto Raptors.
It wouldn’t be the same as Doncic, but Kuminga would get to play next to Darius Garland, giving him a lob threat. Plus, there would probably be more self-creation opportunities for Kuminga on the Clippers.
Right now, the pathway for Kuminga to join the Clippers seems much easier than that of the Lakers. A trip to LA could be in the cards for Kuminga, but maybe not the one some anticipated.
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