Lakers, Hawks talking Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade again

The Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga apparently isn’t dead yet.

Los Angeles and Atlanta have resumed discussions on a potential sign-and-trade involving the restricted free agent, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, with guard Jaden Hardy now reportedly among the names being discussed.

That’s a change from earlier talks, when Jarred Vanderbilt and his $12.4 million salary were believed to be part of the Lakers’ proposed framework.

Hardy is due $6 million this season, potentially making the financial mechanics a little easier to navigate.

Kuminga, 23, remains one of the NBA’s top unsigned free agents with training camp drawing closer. Helin reports that the Lakers and Timberwolves have emerged as the primary possibilities.

Minnesota has a simpler path. The Timberwolves could sign Kuminga using $6 million of their mid-level exception without needing Atlanta’s cooperation in a sign-and-trade.

The Lakers, though, may have something Kuminga likes better: opportunity.

Helin reports that Kuminga views LA as the better fit, with the Lakers prepared to start him at power forward alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

A move to Minnesota could instead give Kuminga a shorter prove-it opportunity before returning to the market. A Lakers sign-and-trade would require a three-year contract under league rules.

So there are still hurdles here, and plenty of them.

But after talks appeared to have stalled, the Lakers and Hawks are apparently back at the table. In late August, with one of the league’s better remaining free agents still looking for a home, that’s enough to make this worth watching again.