Lakers get massive sign-and-trade update for ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga after Cavs' latest move

The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for an athletic wing ever since LeBron James left the franchise at the beginning of free agency. Los Angeles has had a strong offseason, building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves while continuing to reshape the roster.

The Lakers have been pursuing former Golden State Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga as a potential replacement for the starting wing role James held for eight seasons. However, landing Kuminga will not be easy, as he is seeking a significant contract.

“Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the primary team competing with the Lakers for Kuminga. However, Cleveland made a move at the wing position on Sunday by signing Mario Hezonja.

“EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja has agreed to a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, agent Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. Hezonja -- the No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft -- receives an opportunity to revitalize his NBA career entering his sixth season in the league after last playing in 2019-20. He is set to play a key wing role for the Eastern Conference finalists,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

The signing put the Cavaliers in an interesting position regarding Kuminga. NBA insider Brett Siegel believes Cleveland’s move could leave the Lakers as the only realistic team still pursuing the former NBA champion.

“With Hezonja heading to Cleveland, that leaves one suitor for Jonathan Kuminga: The Los Angeles Lakers. I would expect a sign-and-trade involving Jarred Vanderbilt to be completed there with the Hawks,” Siegel wrote.

This changes the entire outlook of the Kuminga sweepstakes, as the Lakers appear to be closing in on a potential deal. However, that does not mean the young wing will simply accept any contract offer.

The Atlanta Hawks are also not going to agree to a sign-and-trade without receiving meaningful value in return. The Lakers have been aggressively pursuing Kuminga throughout the offseason, and after Cleveland’s latest move, the door may now be wide open for Los Angeles.

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