Jonathan Kuminga's free agency has taken another unexpected turn.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, a potential "one-plus-one contract" that keeps Kuminga in Atlanta remains on the table, giving the Hawks another legitimate path toward bringing back one of their most talented young players.
A reunion has never truly been off the table. Since around the NBA Draft, reports have consistently suggested the Hawks remained open to re-signing Kuminga despite exploring sign-and-trade opportunities with several teams around the league.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been viewed as Atlanta's most serious trade partner throughout the process, but momentum toward a deal appears to have slowed. Discussions between Kuminga's camp and the Lakers have stalled, while Atlanta has remained unwilling to accept the trade packages presented thus far.
That development makes a return to the Hawks feel more realistic than it did just a few days ago. Even after Atlanta acquired Lu Dort, the organization apparently has not closed the door on bringing Kuminga back.
A one-plus-one contract could benefit both sides
A one-plus-one agreement may prove to be the ideal compromise.
For Kuminga, it provides an opportunity to return to a familiar environment while maintaining long-term flexibility. If he enjoys a breakout season in Atlanta, he could re-enter free agency in a much stronger position with additional leverage.
The Hawks would also benefit.
Atlanta would retain one of its most athletic and versatile forwards without making a long-term financial commitment before seeing how the roster develops. It would also allow President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh to continue evaluating how Kuminga fits alongside the team's evolving core.
The Hawks have spent the offseason building one of the NBA's deepest collections of defensive-minded wings. Adding Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Nickeil Alexander-Walker has dramatically improved Atlanta's perimeter defense, but Kuminga still offers a unique combination of athleticism, shot creation and defensive versatility that is difficult to replace.
Bringing him back would not simply be about adding talent. It would give Quin Snyder another dynamic option capable of defending multiple positions while creating offense in transition and attacking the rim.
Atlanta's ceiling becomes even higher
The Hawks still have roster decisions to make before the regular season begins, including trimming the roster to the NBA's 15-player limit. Those decisions could become even more interesting if Kuminga ultimately returns.
On paper, Atlanta already appears capable of competing near the top of the Eastern Conference after an aggressive offseason. The additions of Dort and Wiggins addressed key needs, while the Hawks continue to build around a young core led by Jalen Johnson and one of the league's most intimidating perimeter defensive groups.
Adding Kuminga back into that mix could elevate the team's ceiling even further.
A rotation featuring Dyson Daniels, Dort, Kuminga and Alexander-Walker would give Atlanta exceptional size, athleticism and defensive versatility on the perimeter. Few Eastern Conference teams could consistently match that combination over a seven-game playoff series.
If discussions with the Lakers continue to stall and Atlanta remains unwilling to compromise on a sign-and-trade, re-signing Kuminga may become the most logical outcome for everyone involved.
The acquisition of Lu Dort initially appeared to make a Kuminga reunion less likely. However, the latest reporting indicates Atlanta's interest in re-signing him remains very much alive.
A reunion is no longer just a possibility — it is beginning to look like one of the most realistic outcomes remaining on the table.
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