One of the biggest mysteries during this year's wild free agency period has been where exactly Jonathan Kuminga will land, and just how much he'll command on the open market.
While the former is still yet to be determined, the Los Angeles Lakers - Kuminga's rumored most interested potential suitor - may be quietly revealing the average annual value teams would be willing to give the talented young forward.
According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers are "looking at a two-year, $20-million deal for Kuminga," presumably with hopes of making him their starting small forward. Less money for a chance to start - something he wouldn't get if he remained in Atlanta.
His most realistic landing spot wants to acquire him at a bargain
Whether it's his fault or not, this is the reality of Jonathan Kuminga's market heading into the 2026-27 season.
Now, if that's truly his biggest, best offer, then the Hawks have quite the upcoming decision to make. The most obvious path forward would be a sign-and-trade with Los Angeles, sending some type of capital back to Atlanta, but for that cheap - could the Hawks make a push to bring him back on another short-term deal?
They'd certainly have to at least consider it. A player with his level of untapped potential, for just over $10 million a year, for however long, is a reasonable gamble to take. And yes, since Kuminga's an unrestricted free agent, they would have to outbid the Lakers and throw a bigger offer than them.
In order to do so, they'd have to make some cost-cutting moves. While the Hawks do, in fact, hold Kuminga's bird rights, they only have a small amount of salary left that they can take in before reaching the luxury tax - something they won't pay this offseason.
Hawks can remain patient with the Kuminga process
Another thing that was seemingly revealed in the Lakers' expected offer was that nothing appears to be imminent. Of course, Kuminga and his camp would love to get more annual value on the open market, but if enough time passes without a serious offer, they'll lose leverage.
They may not have a choice other than to take $10 million a year from the Lakers. It would be disappointing to see him walk for that cheap, but if it comes down to it, it would likely end up as a better destination for him to unlock his full potential.
This Jonathan Kuminga situation could get very interesting, and now that his market has been revealed, some momentum on a deal may finally arrive.
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