The reported signing has finally gone through. Lasting the length of nearly the entire offseason, the Jonathan Kuminga saga is over.
On Friday morning, over a week after the two-year deal was reported by all of the top basketball media outlets, Minnesota made it official. Kuminga is heading back out west where he'll have a chance to contend for a championship with one of the league's most fascinating squads.
When Atlanta traded for him ahead of last season's deadline, his future with the organization was immediately unclear. As they began their operations this summer, though, it quickly became apparent what they planned to do with him.
The Hawks replaced him while he was still on the market
At the tail-end of last season, Kuminga provided Atlanta with an invaluable bench spark. His presence in the second unit allowed them to pick up two wins against the eventual-champion New York Knicks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
While no longer having him, on paper, could hurt, they've made all the necessary adjustments in preparation for his departure.
The first thing that hinted he wouldn't be brought back was when the Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season - sending him to unrestricted free agency. Any team, at that point, could make their case to him and his camp.
They also went out and acquired Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder - two forwards set to come off the bench for Atlanta's electric starting five.
If they brought back Kuminga, it would've given them the best bench in the NBA, but there would've been a real logjam at the forward spot. With Asa Newell, Mo Gueye and Zuby Ejiofor all looking for minutes as well, it made more sense to just let him walk.
Kuminga's Hawks tenure should be celebrated, despite its length
If anything, acquiring him at the deadline was a gamble worth taking. It laid the groundwork for what they needed in the second unit moving forward.
They were able to get off of the expiring contract of Kristaps Porzingis - the veteran who was simply unable to stay healthy in a Hawks uniform. In exchange, they got an exciting young forward in Kuminga, who they gave a real shot to, and an invaluable veteran presence in Buddy Hield, who remains on the new-look roster.
Onsi Saleh makes that deal ten times out of ten. His lack of hesitancy in the trade market has helped Atlanta seamlessly transition through eras.
Hawks fans should wish Kuminga nothing but the best in his new destination.
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