As Jonathan Kuminga’s free-agency situation continues to drag on, the Atlanta Hawks need to remain prepared to play a role in determining where the former lottery pick ends up.
While Atlanta could potentially benefit from a sign-and-trade that sends Kuminga to another team, Hawks fans probably shouldn’t expect a major return in the process.
Adel Ahmad of Heavy Sports recently proposed a three-team trade that would send Kuminga to the Los Angeles Lakers while bringing Atlanta only a second-round pick. The Houston Rockets would also be involved in the deal.
Here’s how the proposed trade would work:
- LAKERS RECEIVE: Jonathan Kuminga, 2031 second-round pick (via Houston)
- HAWKS RECEIVE: 2031 second-round pick (from Los Angeles, via Washington Wizards)
- ROCKETS RECEIVE: Jarred Vanderbilt
For Kuminga, joining the Lakers could give him an opportunity to take on a more significant role and potentially showcase the talent that made him a highly regarded prospect coming into the NBA.
There have been numerous trade scenarios involving Kuminga throughout the offseason, making it difficult to predict exactly how his situation will unfold. Still, from Atlanta’s perspective, getting something in return through a sign-and-trade would be preferable to losing him for nothing as an unrestricted free agent.
The Hawks initially acquired Kuminga as part of the deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis away while also bringing Buddy Hield to Atlanta. Hield remains on the Hawks’ roster for now, although his name has surfaced in trade discussions as well.
Kuminga was productive enough during his brief stint with Atlanta after arriving from the Golden State Warriors, though he didn’t exactly exceed expectations. He played in 16 regular-season games for the Hawks, averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. During the playoffs, he increased his scoring average to 13.7 points as Atlanta pushed the New York Knicks to six games.
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s option early in the offseason, allowing him to enter free agency. Although a return to Atlanta hasn’t been completely ruled out, that outcome appears increasingly unlikely at this point.
A second-round pick may not seem like much, but those selections can become valuable assets in future trades. If Atlanta ultimately receives one as part of a Kuminga sign-and-trade, the Hawks could either use it themselves or include it in another deal down the road.
For now, however, the waiting continues. Kuminga is still searching for clarity regarding his next destination, and because Atlanta could ultimately be involved in the outcome, the Hawks can’t completely move on from the situation just yet.
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