
The Atlanta Hawks are sitting at the heart and center of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. With a 38-31 record, the Hawks are doing all sorts of math while staying red hot in the trade talks. Yet, none of that could wind down Jonathan Kuminga’s spot on the roster.
While Kuminga has taken everybody by surprise, even himself, the latest development around him would only give a dose of happiness to the Atlanta loyals.
Since arriving from the Golden State Warriors in a midseason deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis the other way, the 23-year-old forward has slotted seamlessly into Atlanta’s system.
Now, that short-term impact may be evolving into something far more significant.
According to reports from NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is “mutual interest” between Kuminga and the Hawks in declining his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season in favor of negotiating a long-term deal.
There mutual interest between the Hawks and Jonathan Kuminga on declining his 2026-27 team option valued at $24.3 million and agreeing to a long-term contract, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/rl4fx6lzv0
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 19, 2026
And needless to say, the bold move would make the intent from both sides crystal clear. However, while he keeps on playing his best role, Kuminga has justified the team’s belief in him.
The team has an 11-game winning streak, which also includes a road victory over the Dallas Mavericks, and has pushed them firmly back into the Eastern Conference playoff conversation.
The Atlanta Hawks are not waiting for the offseason to make decisions about their future. They are already laying the groundwork around Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga, however, did not enter the league with a guaranteed starting role, which has naturally influenced his market positioning.
And taking the whole scenario into account, that creates an interesting negotiation window.
Atlanta has already invested heavily in its core, most notably with Jalen Johnson’s five-year, $150 million extension. That deal likely has set an internal benchmark, making it unlikely that Kuminga will immediately look for similar money.
Since arriving from the Golden State Warriors in a shocking trade, the versatile wing has averaged 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in limited minutes, while shooting efficiently across the board.
Which is exactly why this contract setup has everybody talking. Declining the team option would be more than a financial decision. It would be a signal that Atlanta views Kuminga as a long-term piece worth investing in now, before his value potentially climbs even higher.
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