3-Team Trade Proposal Sends Jonathan Kuminga to Surprise Destination
Atlanta Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga has been largely linked to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but the two sides are nowhere closer to an agreement than they were at the start of the summer.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have also been seen as a good fit, as were the Cleveland Cavaliers (who have since moved on to sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson to fill their wing opening).
But if Kuminga is going to get the money he's looking for (upwards of $20M annually) on a new contract, he might have to look elsewhere. Rohan Roman, who covers the Hawks for si.com, has come up with a proposed sign-and-trade deal that would send Kuminga to the Indiana Pacers.
"The Pacers could also use some insurance for a Pascal Siakam injury and Kuminga would be a nice fit for their fast-paced style of offense," writes Roman. "Atlanta doesn't have interest in any of the pieces LA could offer in a sign-and-trade, but Indiana has several intriguing players in their rotation that might make sense for the Hawks."
The hypothetical trade would go down like this:
Indiana Pacers recieve:
- Jonathan Kuminga (3 year, $54 million contract)
- Bilal Coulibaly
- 2033 2nd-round pick (via ATL)
Atlanta Hawks receive:
- Jarace Walker
- Ben Sheppard
- 2027 2nd-round pick (via IND)
Washington Wizards receive:
- Obi Toppin
- Quenton Jackson
- 2030 1st-round pick swap (via IND)
The Pacers get Tyrese Haliburton back this season, and after adding veteran center Ivica Zubac last year, they hope to return to Eastern Conference contention. Adding Kuminga would give them a strong forward rotation to go along with Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, the newly-acquired Kelly Oubre Jr., and, if this deal were to be completed, Coulibaly, a solid perimeter defender.
Getting Kuminga at an $18M a year salary for three years in this proposed sign-and-trade is reasonable value.
For the Hawks, this deal would get them a couple of promising youngsters.
"Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker haven't shown they're worthy of more minutes in Indiana, but I think they address some needs on Atlanta's roster at a reasonable price. Sheppard is a capable shooter who hustles, plays solid defense and can fill in as a back-of-rotation wing option."
The Wizards enter the equation and would get themselves "a fantastic lob threat who will pair well with Trae Young," per Roman.
Certainly, as the Kuminga free agency drags on, more teams will enter the equation. He wants to be with the Lakers, but they can't offer him more thatn $10M/year, which he doesn't find suitable.