Is Jonathan Kuminga Inching Nearer to be a Lakers Quickly?

As Jonathan Kuminga commerce rumors proceed to flow into the league, one crew quietly value monitoring is the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the NBA commerce deadline approaching and the marketplace for wings notably skinny, Kuminga’s unsure future with the Golden State Warriors has drawn renewed curiosity from a number of contenders.

Lakers Keeping Tabs on Kuminga

The Kuminga rumors grew to become extra evident a couple of months in the past when stress between him and the Warriors surfaced. The commerce drama continued, however ultimately, the younger ahead ended up signing in Golden State. However, that does not imply that he is already secure from being traded on this yr’s commerce deadline.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers stay centered on buying a real 3-and-D wing, a participant with dimension who can defend on the perimeter and contribute offensively with no need the ball.

While that archetype stays their precedence, Fischer famous that Los Angeles beforehand reached out to Golden State about Kuminga throughout final summer time’s restricted free company standoff.

That curiosity hasn’t disappeared. Sources say the Lakers have continued to observe Kuminga’s state of affairs as they survey a restricted wing market. No deal seems shut, however Los Angeles is casting a large internet because it seems for perimeter assist to help LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves throughout a pivotal stretch of the season.

Kings Still Interested, however Obstacles Persist

The Sacramento Kings stay one of many few groups persistently linked to Kuminga, although the identical roadblocks that stalled talks final summer time stay in place.

Golden State reportedly has little curiosity in taking again Malik Monk’s contract, whereas Sacramento has been hesitant to incorporate a future first-round decide. The crew was additionally reportedly fearful that Kuminga would have his “breakout” season in Sacramento.

Without these parts, assembling a workable commerce, particularly one that may require a 3rd crew, has confirmed troublesome. As a end result, discussions have but to realize actual traction.

Fit Concerns and Diminished Value within the Golden State

At simply 23 years previous, Kuminga nonetheless carries long-term upside, however his match alongside Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green has been inconsistent. This season, he’s averaging 11.8 factors, 6.2 rebounds, and a pair of.6 assists per recreation, whereas capturing 43.1 % from the sector and 32 % from three-point vary.

Those numbers, mixed with fluctuating minutes and an unclear function, have impacted how groups across the league view him.

According to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, Kuminga’s commerce worth is at present at an “all-time low,” placing the Warriors in a troublesome place. Moving him now dangers promoting at a low worth however maintaining him might restrict roster flexibility.

Suns Cool on Trade Talks

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns seem to have backed away from any severe pursuit of Kuminga, per Bleacher Report. That shift coincides with their sturdy 24–15 begin, which has diminished the urgency to make roster modifications.

With Phoenix stepping apart and Sacramento dealing with structural hurdles, Kuminga’s market seems narrower than it may need simply months in the past.