The Cleveland Cavaliers are bolstering their roster by acquiring 6-foot-8 wingman Peyton Watson in a three-team trade that involves the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers. However, many focused on a player not involved in the trade whatsoever: Jonathan Kuminga.
With the Cavs securing a young, promising wing, many believe that the Los Angeles Lakers are now the frontrunners to acquire the Congolese forward.
Peyton Watson’s Trade Gives More Clarity to Jonathan Kuminga’s Future
The Cavs and the Lakers were seemingly in a tight battle to acquire Kuminga from free agency. However, now that the Cavs have acquired Watson in a trade, the number of teams pursuing the Congolese forward has shrunk further.
There’s no reason for the Cavs to grab another wingman and cause a logjam on their roster. With this sudden turn of events, the general consensus is that Kuminga is bound to don the Purple and Gold next season.
“Jonathan Kuminga YOU are a Los Angeles Laker,” journalist Harrison Faigen posted.
Jonathan Kuminga YOU are a Los Angeles Laker
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) August 19, 2026
“Kuminga is 100% a Laker now,” one person predicted.
“Kuminga has gotta be coming to the Lakers at this point…,” a Lakers-dedicated page said.
“Still think Kuminga ends up with the Lakers, but the team pool is shrinking there,” another said.
Cavs were reportedly interested in Jonathan Kuminga, too.
Still think Kuminga ends up with the Lakers, but the team pool is shrinking there. https://t.co/JEzNXXBwqN
— Jack Borman (@JackBorman) August 20, 2026
It’s been reported in the past that Kuminga is seeking a deal around the $25 million range. However, some think he won’t get that kind of money in his next contract.
“Kuminga 🫵🏾are a vet min player boi🤣,” one X user said.
“Kuminga getting anything over $6m would almost feel shocking right now,” another said.
Kuminga getting anything over $6m would almost feel shocking right now
— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) August 20, 2026
Last season, Watson had an impressive year, posting 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. However, his future became uncertain when the Nuggets could not meet the salary figure he wanted for his contract extension.
Watson’s new deal, per reports, is a four-year, $88 million deal that includes a player option.
Kuminga, meanwhile, remains without a home. The Atlanta Hawks had a team option worth $24,300,000 million on him. They decided to decline that option this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
While several teams have been linked to him, his high salary demands are keeping him from reaching a deal.
The Lakers are expected to make moves, but not to add more players. Currently, they have 16 players on their roster, exceeding the 15-man regular-season limit. This doesn’t rule them out of acquiring Kuminga, but they will need to navigate a tricky situation to acquire him.
If they can clear a spot, they can sign Kuminga to a one-year deal to prove his value. He will be turning just 24 before the 2026-27 regular season starts. This means he has some time to show that he can be a vital piece worth a bigger contract.
Last season, Kuminga’s production dipped. Through 36 games, he averaged 12.2 points per game. A slightly lower scoring number than his career-high 16.1 ppg in 2023-24, and 15.3 ppg in 2024-25.
On the flipside, he posted his best rebounding numbers, grabbing a career high 5.6 boards per contest.
