RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCavaliers predicted to sign $349M former MVP, nine-time All-Star over Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been chasing Jonathan Kuminga for what feels like the entirety of free agency. However, it has not been an easy process for the organization, and Cleveland probably cannot wait for it to finally be over.
Originally, Kuminga seemed excited about the opportunity to join Cleveland. However, his contract demands have helped put the process on hold.
“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.
Even with Kuminga and his camp demanding a significant salary, the Cavaliers continued looking for ways to make a deal work. Cleveland went as far as meeting with Kuminga to discuss a potential agreement.
“The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga's services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually," Sidery wrote.
However, Cleveland appears to have grown tired of the lengthy process and has begun looking at other options. Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek believes the Cavaliers should instead pursue free agent Russell Westbrook.
“Westbrook would be a type of offensive insurance for all three of them, but especially the Cavaliers. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, they don't need him to play heavy minutes. Instead, he can provide a spark when the offense stalls and work in pick-and-pops with Evan Mobley,” Polacek wrote.
The former MVP is in the latter stages of his career, but he could still provide Cleveland with valuable veteran depth and offensive playmaking.
Westbrook has made roughly $349 million in contracts throughout his career. Westbrook would provide Cleveland with a proven veteran presence and could be a more reliable short-term addition than Kuminga.
After missing out on LeBron James, adding Westbrook could give Cleveland another veteran who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. It would also give the Cavaliers a way to move on from the lengthy Kuminga saga and focus on the upcoming season.
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