Jonathan Kuminga’s contract desires amid Lakers, Cavs interest

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 30, 2026 5:27 PM ET

Atlanta Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the top players available on the market, and his contract demands continue to shape discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Speaking on the latest episode of Clutch Scoops, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel said the Lakers and Cavaliers have emerged as the two primary contenders for Kuminga while negotiations remain focused on finding common ground financially.

“There’s two teams right now. It’s the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. I personally believe that he’s going to end up with the Lakers in some kind of deal whether he takes that two-year $20 million deal they offered him, whether or not it’s a sign-and-trade and he gets a little bit more money. But that seems to be where the hold up is right now with Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency.”

Siegel added that Kuminga’s asking price continues to be the biggest obstacle to reaching an agreement.

ClutchPoints’ @BrettSiegelNBA on Jonathan Kuminga’s future:

“There’s two teams [interested] right now. It’s the Cavs and the Lakers. I personally believe he will end up with the Lakers… He’s willing to hold out as long as possible… He wants somewhere in that sweet spot of… pic.twitter.com/LjEpxRxRng

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2026

“Who’s going to offer him the most money? Who’s willing to hold out as long as possible and kind of act like a restricted free agent again until he gets paid. He doesn’t want to get paid less than the mid-level. He wants to get somewhere in that sweet spot of $14-16 million.”

Lakers remain favorites as Cavaliers monitor Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency

According to Siegel, the Lakers remain the favorites to land Kuminga, whether through the reported two-year, $20 million offer or a sign-and-trade that could increase his salary. Cleveland also continues to monitor the situation as it looks to add another versatile forward following an offseason that saw LeBron James leave Los Angeles for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kuminga’s combination of athleticism, size and defensive versatility has made him one of the most intriguing free agents still available. At 23, he offers long-term upside while also possessing the experience to contribute immediately to a playoff contender.

With both the Lakers and Cavaliers remaining engaged, Kuminga’s willingness to wait for a contract in the $14 million to $16 million annual range could determine when one of the offseason’s most closely watched free-agent situations finally reaches a resolution.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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