Clippers join Lakers, Cavs in Jonathan Kuminga pursuit

Scotto added that Kuminga and agent Aaron Turner aren’t locked into seeking one specific salary figure. Instead, they’re evaluating potential destinations based on factors such as roster fit, opportunity and how a deal would ultimately be structured.

The Clippers may have an advantage over several of the other interested teams.

Unlike clubs that would need to send out significant salary to complete a sign-and-trade, LA owns a $17 million trade exception created earlier this month in the John Collins deal with the Pistons. The Clippers also sit comfortably below the luxury tax, giving them added roster flexibility.

That doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is imminent.

Scotto reported the Clippers remain hesitant to make any major roster moves while awaiting resolution of the NBA’s review of their trade involving Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors.

That situation is also impacting restricted free agent guard Bennedict Mathurin, whom the Clippers are reportedly interested in re-signing. Multiple teams have expressed sign-and-trade interest in Mathurin as well, according to Scotto.

Assuming the Leonard trade is approved and Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick officially join the roster, the Clippers would be sitting at 14 players under standard contracts. That could force the front office to choose between aggressively pursuing Kuminga, bringing back Mathurin, or finding a way to do both.

Bottom line: It appears Kuminga’s market continues to grow. Whether the Clippers become serious contenders for his services may depend less on money than on when they’re finally able to move forward with the rest of their offseason.