Hawks Explore Sign-and-Trade for Jonathan Kuminga Involving Jarred Vanderbilt and 2032 Pick Swap

Atlanta is said to be interested in a sign-and-trade that would move Jonathan Kuminga to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for forward Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap, according to a source speaking to The California Post. The swap would be the sole first-round pick the Lakers can include after previously sending two first-rounders and two swaps to Utah in the Walker Kessler deal; the team also has three future second-round picks available.

Los Angeles, which has been seeking to add Kuminga, is limited to a minimum-salary contract after a series of roster moves and views a sign-and-trade as the most viable way to offer the player a larger deal. Earlier reports suggested the Lakers were considering a two-year, $20 million offer, and sources indicated the team is prepared to average about $10 million per year, though a sign-and-trade would require at least a three-year contract with only the first year guaranteed.

Vanderbilt, who is under a four-year, $48 million extension signed in 2023, is slated to earn $12.4 million next season and holds a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28. Multiple sources say the Lakers are willing to move Vanderbilt and other players to improve the roster.

Cleveland is also reported to be interested in Kuminga, which would reunite him with head coach Kenny Atkinson, a former Golden State assistant, though the Cavaliers have paused free-agent activity pending news on LeBron James' destination. The Lakers continue to scout wing players with size, athleticism, defense and youth, having previously looked at Ziaire Williams, Bruce Brown, Matisse Thybulle and Ochai Agbaji.