Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the biggest names still available in free agency, with several teams exploring either a direct signing or a sign-and-trade deal. The Los Angeles Lakers have already been revealed as one of his suitors, but the Jarred Vanderbilt involvement didn’t let that happen.
Lakers May Eye New Jonathan Kuminga Trade Framework After Hawks Reject Jarred Vanderbilt
Kuminga appeared in 36 games last season, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. The forward could give the Lakers an athletic boost if they acquire him.
The Lakers also remain the most interested team, but initial negotiations hit a roadblock as the Lakers and Atlanta Hawks discussed a sign-and-trade package that included a 2032 first-round pick swap along with Vanderbilt.
He recently completed his fourth season in Los Angeles and is in the middle of a four-year, $48 million, fully guaranteed contract that carries an average annual salary of $12 million.
Vanderbilt is set to earn $12.43 million in the 2026-27 season, but the Hawks didn’t sound interested in the trade framework surrounding him for a big reason.
“The Hawks have been resistant to taking on Vanderbilt’s $13.29 million salary for the 2027-28 season, which is a player option,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote before suggesting a different framework.
“Could a combination of Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy, who both have team options for the 2027-28 season, work better in a three-team trade construct involving Kuminga landing with the Lakers and the Hawks getting a traded player exception along with draft pick compensation?”
Vanderbilt recorded 2.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.3 assists over seven playoff games last season. His defensive value is respected, but his injury history, offensive limitations, and contract might have reduced his appeal to Atlanta. By contrast, younger players like Knecht and Hardy offer greater flexibility and long-term roster control.
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As for Kuminga, he has also drawn sign-and-trade interest from multiple teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks. According to Scotto, each team is evaluating different factors, including contract value, roster fit, and potential trade structure.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha revealed on “The Herd” that Los Angeles had previously offered Kuminga a two-year, $20 million contract, but he reportedly declined it. Buha added that he has heard Kuminga is targeting an average annual salary closer to $20 million, but Scotto reported that there is no fixed salary demand across all the teams pursuing him.
