Lakers’ Jonathan Kuminga Pursuit Gets New Life After Latest Trade Shift

Renewed sign-and-trade talks with the Atlanta Hawks now include a new wrinkle, as things are seemingly heating up once again.

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After a wild couple of months for the Los Angeles Lakers, from moving on from LeBron James, making several roster changes and now dealing with a second regime change in 14 months, the start of training camp is right around the corner.

Although training camp and the beginning of the NBA preseason (Oct. 5) are not that far off, there are still some moves expected to be made by the Lakers, with the Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes still underway.

Lakers, Hawks Spark Up Sign-and-Trade Talks Again

According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Lakers and Hawks have started sign-and-trade talks once again, with Jaden Hardy now looking like the player who will get moved

The Lakers and Hawks are talking sign-and-trade again, with guard Jaden Hardy reportedly in the conversation (he makes $6 million this season), while previously that was Jared Vanderbilt ($12.4 million).

It has seemingly come down to the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves for Kuminga, which makes things interesting because both teams are intriguing fits for the high-flying wing, but two different situations in terms of what they can offer him.

Timberwolves Don’t Need to Sign-and-Trade for Kuminga

Minnesota can simply sign Kuminga using $6 million of its mid-level exception, so no sign-and-trade with the Hawks is required.

One reason Kuminga might choose to go this route is that he won’t be locked in for three years, as he would be with the Lakers, which would limit what he can earn over the course of the deal.

Along with the short-term commitment in Minnesota, it would be a prove-it year for the 23-year-old while playing on a talented team led by Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

Jonathan Kuminga Views Lakers as ‘Better Fit’ Over Timberwolves

According to Helin, Kuminga likes the fit with the Lakers, as he’d get the opportunity to be a starter right out of the gate alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Kuminga reportedly likes the idea of playing for the Lakers — who would start him at the four — as a better fit.

Regardless of Kuminga’s preference and situation, the clock is ticking, and there’s a chance the Lakers brass could begin to lose patience and pivot elsewhere.

Ultimately, the Lakers would be a better team with Kuminga in the mix, but it remains to be seen when this gets resolved and where he lands when a decision is finally made.

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