RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Lakers, Cavaliers get massive update on ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga, Nuggets' Peyton Watson originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have been pursuing the same two players for much of the offseason. Both teams entered the summer with interest in former Golden State Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga is a 23-year-old young star with plenty of potential if he can put everything together. The Lakers and Cavaliers remain among the favorites to get a deal done for him.
“The Lakers and Cavaliers still seem like the most likely landing spots for Kuminga, likely by way of sign-and-trade. The Wolves could be a darkhorse if he wants to take a pay cut, as I don't believe Minnesota will want to acquire him via sign-and-trade, and they are the closest of these teams to getting to the NBA Finals," SI's Jackson Caudell wrote.
However, Cleveland is also exploring the possibility of landing another NBA champion in Peyton Watson.
“I also wonder if he's kind of in the Peyton Watson limbo at the moment where Peyton Watson is higher in the hierarchy than he is. And these teams like Cleveland and Milwaukee are trying to figure out: 'Hey, do we want Peyton Watson or not?' And they're waiting to see if they get Peyton Watson, and if not, maybe Cleveland goes for Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade of sorts,” Sam Vecenie of The Game Theory Podcast said.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery reported that both Kuminga and Watson could soon find their next destinations for the upcoming season.
“Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga are the next big NBA free agent dominoes set to fall soon. Both remain involved with the Cavaliers, more notably Watson, while the Lakers have prioritized Kuminga as their preferred starting wing,” Sidery wrote.
The Lakers have been all-in on Kuminga throughout the summer. If they miss out on him, Los Angeles will likely have to explore the trade market for a starting power forward or settle for an option already on its roster.
Cleveland, meanwhile, appears increasingly intrigued by Watson. The Cavaliers have already made moves to create additional financial flexibility, making Watson a legitimate possibility.
Whatever happens, a decision could be coming soon. Both teams are working to address their needs, but Cleveland has made significant progress in creating the flexibility necessary to pursue its targets.
More NBA news:
Rockets predicted to flip Fred VanVleet for $197M former No. 1 pick to pair with Kevin Durant
Cavaliers make major move to potentially get Peyton Watson after trading $117M 13-year veteran
Ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga is Cavs, Bucks' second option behind Peyton Watson
Heat predicted to sign $305M future Hall of Famer to make life easy for Giannis Antetokounmpo
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