The NBA community is eagerly awaiting LeBron James’ decision for the 2026-27 season. While LBJ’s fans are getting tense with every day of radio silence from the King, there’s a certain risingNBA star who is apparently affected by what James does (and is not doing).
Appearing on Bleacher Report’s Summer League coverage this past Saturday, insider Jake Fischer explained how Jonathan Kuminga might have to wait for James to make a blockbuster announcement before he finds out his own fate next season.
“He seems more likely than not to be departing the Hawks by way of sign-and-trade. That could be something that happens to Cleveland if the Cavaliers don’t get LeBron James. So, his dynamic is a bit on pause and on hold while LeBron’s future is determined.”
Fischer added that Kuminga could have been a Laker by now if the 23-year-old forward was “more amenable to what Los Angeles was envisioning.”
After a number of underwhelming seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga played with a different pep in his step this past season when he was dealt to Atlanta. The Hawks, however, declined his $24.3 million team option by the end of June, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Report: Hawks “Willing” to Do Sign-and-Trade With Lakers to Ship Away Jonathan Kuminga
In line with the sign-and-trade option that Fischer mentioned, Lakers beat reporter Khobi Price laid out the scenario that the Hawks are seriously considering.
Writing for the New York Post this past Wednesday, Price reported that the Hawks would be amenable to doing a sign-and-trade that would result in Kuminga going to the Lakers, in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap.
Price added that this sign-and-trade gives the young forward the opportunity to “receive a higher salary than the Lakers are able to offer Kuminga as an unrestricted free agent.”
READ MORE:
LeBron James Free Agency Heats Up as Teams Send Voice Messages Through Rich Paul
Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga Have Reported Mutual Interest As Rumors Swirl
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