Lakers and Hawks still negotiating Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade
The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks are still discussing a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade as of August 25, 2026, but the deal faces major hurdles. Kuminga and his agent remain hesitant on terms, Atlanta wants draft compensation and salary flexibility, and both teams carry overcrowded rosters that limit trade paths.
According to Silver Screen and Roll, negotiations have continued even as other offseason drama dominated headlines. Kuminga spent most of the summer searching for a richer contract than the market has offered, leaving sign-and-trade with the Lakers or a minimum deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves as his clearest remaining paths.
Key Takeaways
- Lakers and Hawks restarted Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade talks on August 25, 2026, with Jaden Hardy now in the package.
- Atlanta wants draft compensation and salary flexibility; the Hawks sit $3.8 million below the luxury tax and carry 17 players.
- Cleveland's Peyton Watson trade removed a key Kuminga suitor, narrowing his market to the Lakers and Timberwolves.
- Kuminga rejected an initial Lakers offer near $10 million annually and sought roughly double that amount.
- Both teams have overcrowded rosters, making a three-team deal likely necessary for any agreement.
Why are Lakers-Hawks sign-and-trade talks still active?
The Lakers remain the most logical fit for Kuminga after general manager Rob Pelinka spent most of the team's cap space on Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Quentin Grimes, the New York Post reported. Los Angeles signed Kevon Looney at center but still lacks a versatile wing defender with less than two weeks before September.
Atlanta declined Kuminga's team option earlier this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported the Hawks would be "pretty choosy" about any sign-and-trade scenario, per Bleacher Report.
What role does Jaden Hardy play in the Kuminga trade talks?
Per NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, the current discussions include Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy, who makes $6 million this season. Earlier talks centered on Jared Vanderbilt ($12.4 million) before stalling when Atlanta refused to add salary without a quality draft pick the Lakers would not surrender.
Hardy holds a team option for next season, effectively making him an expiring contract. A simple swap for second-round draft compensation could appeal to Atlanta if it avoids losing value for nothing. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast there is "still a window" for a Kuminga-Hardy sign-and-trade.
How did the Cavaliers' Peyton Watson trade affect Kuminga's market?
On August 19, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Peyton Watson in a multi-team trade involving the Clippers, Nuggets, Wizards, and Hornets, removing themselves as a Kuminga suitor. That left Minnesota—which can offer only a $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception—and the Lakers as his primary remaining options.
Bleacher Report noted the Cavaliers also approached the first luxury tax apron by signing James Harden, while Atlanta added Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort. As cap-management pressures reshape late-summer roster moves, similar high-stakes decisions are tracked in our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What salary gap is blocking Kuminga from joining the Lakers?
The Lakers initially offered Kuminga roughly $10 million annually with a starting role alongside Luka Dončić. Kuminga and his camp sought double that figure, creating a stalemate that has persisted through two months of free agency.
The Athletic's Dan Woike reported in July that momentum had stalled over terms and draft capital, though Kuminga could re-emerge as a target if his market stayed tepid. Silver Screen and Roll noted both the Lakers and Hawks already have too many players and may need a third team to absorb additional salary—making Kuminga's willingness to accept a deal the biggest remaining obstacle.