Hawks Ready to Deal Jonathan Kuminga for Lakers Forward

Hawks Signal Willingness to Include Kuminga in Sign‑and‑Trade

According to California Post reporter Khobi Price, the Atlanta Hawks have indicated they are open to sending Jonathan Kuminga to Los Angeles as part of a sign‑and‑trade for the Lakers’ declining forward. Price described the Hawks’ stance as a viable path for the Lakers to acquire Kuminga while giving him a higher salary than the team could otherwise offer as an unrestricted free agent. The report suggests the Hawks see value in moving Kuminga to a contender that can better utilize his upside.

Lakers’ Proposed Assets: Vanderbilt and a 2032 First‑Round Swap

The Lakers would reportedly give up Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first‑round pick swap in the deal. Vanderbilt, 27, still carries $25.7 million of a $48 million, four‑year extension signed in 2023, with a $12.4 million salary next season and a $13.3 million player option for 2027‑28. This makes him a heavy financial burden and a risk‑laden asset for Los Angeles. The Lakers are the only franchise with a tradable first‑round pick this summer, and the 2032 selection serves as a sweetener for Atlanta.

Why the Trade Makes Sense for Both Sides

Atlanta’s willingness to accept Vanderbilt reflects his limited offensive impact and inconsistent perimeter shooting. The Kentucky‑grown forward can guard multiple positions but has yet to develop beyond a reliable defender. Kuminga, while shooting 33.2% from three points over his career, offers a higher upside as a scorer and a younger player entering his prime. The Lakers, already 17‑time champions, aim to add a versatile scorer who can complement their current roster.

The potential arrangement positions the Lakers to boost their roster depth while managing salary‑cap flexibility. Meanwhile, the Hawks gain a promising young asset and a future pick, balancing their current core with supplemental talent. If the deal materializes, it could reshape the standings conversation in the Western Conference early in the upcoming season.