The Atlanta Hawks made one of the more surprising moves of last season when they acquired Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for the expiring contract of Kristaps Porzingis.
It didn't take long for Kuminga, 23, to carve out an important role in his new home. Under Quin Snyder, he quickly gained a lot more offensive freedom than he was used to, and for the most part, it paid off. Whenever he had a good game, his impact on the team's success was invaluable.
Smart organizations, though, tend to keep all options open regarding who stays and who goes. Kuminga has a $24 million team-option for the 2026-27 season, and Atlanta is considering several different ways they could go about it.
The Hawks have explored what they could get in return for Kuminga
In the latest intel drop from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, it was revealed that Atlanta has "conducted their due diligence and gauged Kuminga’s value on the trade market ahead of the draft," but also that bringing him back "remains a real possibility."
Now, bringing him back could mean many different things.
The most likely scenario would be Atlanta simply picking up his team-option for the 2026-27 season. This would give their lead decision-makers a full year to truly assess his long-term fit with the rest of the core. Half a season couldn't have possibily given them a definitive answer.
They could also decline his option and re-sign him to a multi-year deal at less annual value, which also remains a real possibility. This, however, could come with major risk if it isn't a bargain.
Trading him would make a ton of sense, as well, and if they choose to go that route - it would almost certainly be after they pick up his team-option. That would give them many more suitors, as a one-year, $24 million deal is a very attractive trade piece.
Onsi Saleh has never shied away from being aggressive
He's quickly gained a reputation for being a guy who makes moves that other lead decision-makers would be too afraid to make. If a player isn't a part of his long-term vision, he's out. This mentality has yet to backfire, and hopefully this upcoming Kuminga decision isn't the first time it does.
If anything, the rumors suggesting Atlanta could trade Jonathan Kuminga proves that fans are in for another fascinating summer of movement.
Whether they pick up his option, re-sign him to a long-term deal, trade him away or simply let him walk, this is likely going to be a decision that sees both pushback and praise.
Much like everything else that happens in today's league.
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