Ex‑Warriors Wing Kuminga Linked to $45M Lakers Sign‑and‑Trade

Kuminga’s Market Value

The 23‑year‑old wing is a former NBA champion with Golden State and is looking for a contract near $20 million AAV, with his request sitting just above $15 million annually. According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the Los Angeles front office could tap into a three‑year, $45 million offer—$15 million per season—as a possible middle ground. The figure sits between what Kuminga reportedly wants and what the Lakers are initially willing to pay, making a deal plausible if both sides compromise.

Buha notes that the former Warriors player’s asking price has been described as “closer to $20 million AAV…north of $15 million.” He suggests the $45 million over three years could be a viable compromise, though it falls short of the player’s ideal. This potential mismatch highlights the negotiation room remaining between Kuminga’s camp and Los Angeles.

Lakers’ Interest and Roster Needs

Los Angeles has already filled several roster spots this summer, adding Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Zhaire Williams, Collin Sexton, and Matisse Thybulle. With those acquisitions, the Lakers have built a deeper supporting cast around Luka Doncic, but they still need to reach the 15‑player limit. Kuminga is viewed as a final piece that could complete a modest, wing‑centric lineup.

The team’s front office is prepared to surrender draft capital to meet Atlanta’s (the Hawks) demands, according to Buha. However, the exact terms of the sign‑and‑trade have not yet been finalized. The Lakers’ willingness to adjust their offer underscores their focus on assembling a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

Competitor Interest in Kuminga

Milwaukee entered the Kuminga sweepstakes as the latest suitor, with the Bucks now in the mix for the young wing. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, the Hawks have expressed clear interest in executing a sign‑and‑trade with Los Angeles. This multi‑team attention intensifies the pressure on the Lakers to secure a deal before the roster deadline.

The bidding war demonstrates Kuminga’s growing value and the limited window for teams to add a two‑way wing. If Los Angeles fails to lock him in, the 2026‑27 season could begin without the player who once helped Golden State capture a championship. The competition also hints that any agreement will likely involve significant draft assets for the Lakers.

What It Means for the Lakers Going Forward

Acquiring Kuminga would bolster a roster that already features several role players and a star point guard. A $45 million contract over three years would occupy a prime wing slot, offering depth and scoring off the bench. However, if the deal stalls, Los Angeles might need to rely on existing talent or another late‑season acquisition to stay competitive.

The uncertainty surrounding Kuminga’s status also reflects broader roster strategies in the NBA this offseason. Teams are balancing immediate needs with future assets, often resulting in complex sign‑and‑trade scenarios. The outcome of this situation will likely influence how other franchises approach similar wing acquisitions in the coming months.