Sometimes a number is just a number.
However, Lu Dort choosing No. 0 certainly gives Atlanta Hawks fans something else to think about regarding Jonathan Kuminga's future.
Of course, that number was most recently worn by Kuminga during his time in Atlanta. With Kuminga still unsigned and his future remaining one of the biggest unresolved questions surrounding the Hawks, seeing another player officially take his number could understandably be viewed as a potential sign that the organization is preparing to move forward without him.
That does not necessarily mean Kuminga is gone. Atlanta and Kuminga have reportedly maintained mutual interest in a reunion, and there is nothing preventing him from selecting another number if he ultimately signs a new contract with the Hawks. Still, given everything surrounding his free agency, Dort taking No. 0 is at least worth questioning.
Dort's No. 0 could be a clue about Kuminga's future
If the Hawks already knew Kuminga was returning, allowing Dort to take his previous number would certainly be an interesting decision. That becomes even more notable when considering Atlanta has officially announced Dort's number and is already selling No. 0 jerseys to fans.
However, it would be premature to treat a jersey number as confirmation of Kuminga's departure. NBA players change numbers for numerous reasons, especially after leaving and potentially returning to an organization under a new contract.
Kuminga could simply choose another number if he returns, while Dort keeps No. 0. There is no rule suggesting Atlanta has to reserve Kuminga's previous number while his free agency remains unresolved, particularly when Dort is already under contract and preparing for his first season with the Hawks.
Still, the timing makes the situation difficult to ignore. Atlanta has spent much of the offseason strengthening its perimeter depth by adding Dort and Aaron Wiggins, while Kuminga continues to evaluate his options elsewhere.
The Hawks could certainly find room for Kuminga if both sides ultimately agree to a reunion. However, each move Atlanta makes without him naturally raises more questions about whether President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh is constructing the roster with the expectation that Kuminga will be part of it.
Kuminga's free agency continues to drag on
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers remain two teams worth monitoring in Kuminga's market, but neither has been able to finalize a deal with Atlanta. Talks with Los Angeles have failed to generate significant momentum, leaving Kuminga's most frequently discussed destination far from certain.
Cleveland has also remained connected to Kuminga, although its offseason plans could become more complicated depending on what other opportunities emerge. The Cavaliers have also been mentioned as a serious candidate in the Peyton Watson market, which could potentially influence how aggressively they continue pursuing Kuminga.
Meanwhile, Atlanta remains a legitimate option. The Hawks have maintained interest in bringing Kuminga back, and their ability to retain him gives the organization little reason to accept an underwhelming sign-and-trade package simply to resolve the situation.
The longer this stretches, though, the more pressure there will be for Kuminga and his camp to find a resolution. Training camp is expected to begin in late September, and neither the player nor the Hawks will want this uncertainty lingering when the team begins preparing for the 2026-27 season.
Dort wearing No. 0 does not provide definitive evidence that Kuminga has played his final game for Atlanta, and it could ultimately mean absolutely nothing. However, until Kuminga signs his next contract, every development surrounding Atlanta's roster will be examined for clues about where this saga is heading.
For now, the Hawks officially have a new No. 0. Whether that is merely Dort choosing his preferred number or a subtle indication that Kuminga will be wearing a different uniform next season remains one more question Atlanta will eventually have to answer.
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