NBA Rumors: The Two Teams with the Best Chances of Landing Jonathan Kuminga
After securing Peyton Watson, the Cleveland Cavaliers have withdrawn from a race led by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally managed to add the small forward they were looking for to complete their core of four players after acquiring Peyton Watson in a multi-team trade. Cleveland had been linked throughout the offseason to reinforcements, especially after failing to secure LeBron James, and Watson ended up being the next best available option.
The Lakers, a lingering option
Jonathan Kuminga was another player the Cavaliers had shown interest in and remains one of the top free agents left in the market. However, his situation hasn't quite taken off this summer due to the player's financial demands and the actual chances that interested teams have to make him an offer.
After Watson's trade, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints was asked whether the best option for Kuminga would be the Los Angeles Lakers or the Minnesota Timberwolves. His response placed both franchises as the main alternatives at the moment, although he also left open the possibility of Milwaukee re-entering the race.
The Lakers, moreover, are the team that has maintained the most consistent interest in Kuminga during this summer. For the deal to go through, there would likely need to be a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Both franchises have been linked to discussions to reach an agreement, although those negotiations never progressed to more advanced stages.
Minnesota also in need of a small forward
The Timberwolves represent another significant option for Kuminga. Minnesota needs to add another small forward after parting ways with Julius Randle and Naz Reid during the offseason, so the player could fill that spot on the roster.
Furthermore, Kuminga would fit into a team that aims to play at a high pace alongside LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards.
The third possibility would be for Kuminga to end up returning to the Hawks. However, Atlanta currently faces a roster space issue as they have 17 players under contract.
Money hinders his market
At this point, everything indicates that the main obstacle for Kuminga to find a team is financial. His demands are complicating the progress of negotiations, and if he wants to join a franchise soon, he might be forced to accept less money than he is claiming.
Currently, the Lakers and Timberwolves appear as the two most important options for the player, with Milwaukee as an alternative that could re-enter the scene and Atlanta as the possibility of a return, although their current roster situation complicates that path.
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