Kings’ Interest In Jonathan Kuminga Hinges On One Condition

Free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga was expected to be one of the key players on the market entering the offseason. After the Atlanta Hawks declined the $24.3 million team option on his contract, Kuminga inevitably garnered interest from teams around the league.

While teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers remain active in pursuing the former NBA champion, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported an interesting development, as the Sacramento Kings emerged as suitors for the 23-year-old again.

It is worth noting that the Kings were largely invested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga during last year’s tense offseason. This time, however, Slater noted that the Kings were only interested on one condition. He wrote:

“The Kings have also maintained interest in unrestricted free agent wing Jonathan Kuminga, but unlike last summer, they have been hesitant to get into sign-and-trade conversations, in part because they are hard-capped at the first apron.”

Although Jonathan Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent, the Hawks have expressed their preference for a sign-and-trade deal. While this has created some conflict for teams that are pursuing him, the Kings may be the most affected.

Given that they are currently hard-capped at the first apron and have only $6.1 million at their disposal before crossing it, Sacramento can only offer Jonathan Kuminga a minimum deal. Since negotiations with other teams have halted due to contract demands, it is clear that Kuminga’s camp also has a certain figure in mind. Overall, this doesn’t bode well for the Kings’ pursuit in the slightest.

Should The Kings Trade For Jonathan Kuminga?

This year’s offseason has seen several teams make roster upgrades. Unfortunately, for a team that finished 14th in the Western Conference last season, Sacramento has shown no inclination to do the same.

While there was speculation that the Kings would commit to rebuilding this offseason, the process hasn’t been as reassuring. Aside from waiving DeMar DeRozan‘s contract, the Kings haven’t made any significant moves this summer. Now, with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis also likely to remain on the roster to start the new season, Sacramento seems to be entering the same loop again.

For the most part, this would not be concerning last year, since “tanking” was rewarded. However, with the new rules in place, the Kings risk further penalties if they don’t get more competitive.

So, is trading for Jonathan Kuminga the right move?

In some ways, yes, it is. Adding a player with tremendous upside like Kuminga could prove worthwhile for Sacramento, especially from a rebuilding perspective.

At 23, Kuminga has displayed flashes of star potential. Along with noteworthy athleticism and shot creation skills, the forward possesses incredible physical tools, fitting the template for a modern NBA wing.

Last season, Jonathan Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. Considering that these were his scoring figures as a tertiary option on offense, the forward could thrive in a setting where he receives the ball more often.

The pros of adding Jonathan Kuminga are noteworthy, but the cons, which include a positional clash with De’Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray, can’t be ignored either.

Realistically, it would make sense for the Kings to trade for Kuminga if it allowed them to either offload Zach LaVine or Malik Monk, with the latter appearing more likely. However, if the Hawks demand excessive draft capital in this deal, Sacramento may not see much value in making it.

Additionally, it has also been reported that the Hawks are open to re-signing the 23-year-old forward. If this is considered true, Atlanta may be in the best position to bring him back given how conversations with other teams are going.