Kuminga Trade Board Explodes: New Spots After Klay, DeRozan Sign
Jonathan Kuminga’s Free Agency: Where Could the Young Forward Land Next?
The Big Picture: A Game of Musical Chairs
Imagine the NBA offseason like a giant game of musical chairs. When the music stops, every player needs a team. Right now, Jonathan Kuminga is one of the last players walking around without a seat. But things just got a lot clearer because two very big names—Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan—just found their new homes.
Important Point
Kuminga is a restricted free agent no more! The Atlanta Hawks declined his team option, making him an unrestricted free agent. That means he can sign with any team without the Hawks having the right to match the offer.
The Dominoes That Just Fell
Two major moves this week changed the whole landscape for Kuminga:
1. Klay Thompson → Miami Heat
- How it happened: The Dallas Mavericks bought out Thompson’s contract. After he clears waivers, he’s expected to sign with the Heat.
- The money: Miami will likely use most of their mid-level exception (a special salary cap tool) to pay him.
- Reported by: ESPN’s Shams Charania and the Miami Herald.
2. DeMar DeRozan → Denver Nuggets
- The move: DeRozan is signing with the defending champs (well, recent champs).
- Reported by: NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Why This Matters for Kuminga
Both Thompson and DeRozan were rumored suitors for Kuminga’s services—or at least teams that could have made a play. Now that they’re settled, fewer teams are bidding, which changes Kuminga’s leverage.
Teams That Are OUT of the Running
Several teams that might have pursued Kuminga have already spent their money or filled their rosters:
| Team | What They Did Instead |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Signed Peyton Watson and James Harden, pushing them near the luxury tax "apron" (a spending limit). |
| Atlanta Hawks | Added former OKC Thunder players Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort. (Ironically, this is Kuminga’s old team!) |
The Two Main Contenders Left Standing
With the big names off the board, two teams remain the most likely landing spots for Kuminga.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Why they fit: They have a starting power forward spot wide open.
- What they can offer: Their $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception.
- The buzz: HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports Minnesota "expressed interest" after missing out on LeBron James.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
- Why they fit: They need wing depth and athleticism—Kuminga’s calling cards.
- The catch: As of July, talks had stalled. The sides were "far apart on terms," and LA wasn’t eager to give up significant draft picks in a sign-and-trade.
- The glimmer of hope: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says there’s "still a window" for a deal—possibly involving Lakers guard Jaden Hardy.
What’s a Sign-and-Trade?
It’s a deal where Kuminga’s old team (the Hawks) signs him to a new contract, then immediately trades him to his new team. This lets the new team pay him more than they could with just cap space. But the Hawks are reportedly being "pretty choosy" about any such deals.
The Clock Is Ticking
- Deadline: Opening Day rosters must be finalized by October 19.
- Time left: About two months for teams to make late offseason moves.
- Reality check: As roster spots fill up, Kuminga’s options shrink—but so does the Hawks’ leverage if they want something in return.
Summary
- Kuminga is a free agent after the Hawks declined his option.
- Klay Thompson (Heat) and DeMar DeRozan (Nuggets) are off the market.
- Timberwolves have a starting spot + $6M exception.
- Lakers still have interest but talks stalled; a sign-and-trade with Jaden Hardy is a long-shot possibility.
- Hawks are picky about sign-and-trades.
- Other suitors (Cavs, Hawks) have spent their money.
- Decision time: Before October 19.
FAQ
1. Is Jonathan Kuminga a restricted or unrestricted free agent?
He is an unrestricted free agent. The Atlanta Hawks declined his team option, meaning he can sign with any team without Atlanta having the right to match.
2. Why does Klay Thompson signing with the Heat affect Kuminga?
Thompson was a player the Heat could have pursued instead of Kuminga. Now that Miami has used their mid-level exception on Thompson, they likely don’t have the money or roster spot for Kuminga—removing one potential suitor.
3. What is the "taxpayer mid-level exception" the Timberwolves have?
It’s a salary cap tool that lets teams over the luxury tax line sign a player for up to ~$6M per year. Minnesota has this available and a starting PF spot open—making them a natural fit.
4. Why did Lakers talks with Kuminga stall?
The two sides couldn’t agree on contract terms (money/years), and the Lakers weren’t willing to trade valuable draft picks to facilitate a sign-and-trade with Atlanta.
5. Could Kuminga return to the Atlanta Hawks?
Technically yes—but the Hawks declined his option for a reason, and they’ve since added wings (Wiggins, Dort). A return seems unlikely unless his market completely collapses.