RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLakers predicted to trade for $62M elite shooter, pass on ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the few teams aggressively pursuing Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade. The Lakers are looking to put the finishing touches on what has already been a very successful offseason.
Kuminga has been one of Los Angeles' top targets from the beginning. The biggest obstacle, however, has been the amount of money he is seeking.
“Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.
That asking price is steep for the Lakers, who are dealing with salary cap constraints. Even so, Los Angeles has already put an offer on the table for Kuminga.
“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements," Sidery wrote.
If the pursuit of Kuminga becomes too expensive or too complicated, the Lakers have another trade option they could explore. Cleveland Cavaliers sharpshooter Max Strus is reportedly available and could fill Los Angeles' opening on the wing.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in acquiring free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. To do so, they'd need to orchestrate a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks—a move that could ultimately prove costly. Though Kuminga has intriguing potential, Los Angeles shouldn't be afraid to pivot to a less risky option: Max Strus. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cavaliers are, in fact, open to trading Strus. The reason they're looking to do so is simply to create the financial flexibility that they need to make an addition to their roster. In other words: There is a realistic path for the Lakers to follow to acquiring Strus—a player who has extensive postseason experience and two-way value,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote.
Strus would provide the Lakers with another reliable floor spacer. Playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves would create plenty of open looks for Strus, allowing him to maximize his shooting ability. It would also be a much more financially manageable move for Los Angeles.
Strus is entering the final year of his $62 million contract with the Cavaliers. Rather than committing to a new long-term deal for Kuminga, the Lakers could acquire an expiring contract that would come off the books after next season.
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Cavaliers reportedly interested in Nuggets' athletic $11M NBA champion to pair with James Harden
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