The Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes got a new bidder on Tuesday. The Milwaukee Bucks have entered the race for the restricted free agent forward, per NBA reporter Evan Sidery, making this a three-team chase – with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers still in the mix but no deal close.
Three teams, one sticking point
Kuminga, 23, averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds for Golden State last season before a deadline trade sent him to Atlanta in February. The Hawks are open to a sign-and-trade. The problem is structural: Kuminga wants a one-year contract if he cannot command $20 million or more per season, while the CBA bars any sign-and-trade built on fewer than three years. The Lakers have reportedly offered two years at roughly $10 million per season – well short of his floor. Kuminga would prefer a sign-and-trade from Atlanta over leaving outright, per Sidery.
What each team brings
Cleveland has the cleanest financial path. The Cavaliers have cap flexibility and a need at the wing after losing players in free agency, and they have been monitoring Kuminga since early July. The Lakers remain interested but face second apron constraints after their busy offseason. Milwaukee’s appeal is different: the Bucks gutted their roster after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami in June and now carry genuine cap space alongside a vacancy at the forward spot. Kuminga’s slashing style fits their rebuild timeline.
Atlanta has little leverage to force a resolution: the Hawks made Kuminga an unrestricted free agent when they declined his $24.3 million team option in late June. The situation remains fluid, and one league source told ESPN there is “no clear timeline” for a resolution.
Sources: Evan Sidery / Heavy; Yahoo Sports; NBC Sports
