Cavaliers receive brutal warning in pursuit of ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to make a few more splashes this summer before the team reports to training camp in about a month. Cleveland still has plenty of flexibility to get something done, especially with James Harden yet to sign a new contract.
The Cavaliers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and the organization has been looking for ways to improve the roster. One of their biggest targets has been NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga.
“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," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
However, if the Cavaliers want to land Kuminga, they would have to complete a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland also needs to create additional financial flexibility. The Cavaliers already moved Dennis Schröder, but they are now trying to offload Max Strus.
“The Cavaliers are actively trying to offload Max Strus and Dennis Schröder's contracts elsewhere," Sidery posted.
The Cavaliers have been pursuing Kuminga throughout the summer, and if they cannot land Peyton Watson, he could become their primary target. However, an NBA scout recently sent Cleveland a warning, arguing that getting rid of Strus to acquire Kuminga would not make the team better.
“The Cavs are not a better team if they lose Dean Wade and Max Strus and replace them with Jonathan Kuminga,” the scout told Hoops Wire. “Probably worse. I’d say Strus is better on his own than Kuminga when it comes to versatility and work ethic.”
This is not what Cleveland wants to hear, but it could very well be the truth. Kuminga has already won an NBA championship, but he still has plenty to prove after struggling to establish himself as a consistent player during his time with Golden State.
As of now, Strus provides more offensive production than Kuminga. While Kuminga had immense potential coming out of college, his inconsistent role with the Warriors raises questions about whether he is ready to take on a larger role elsewhere. The Cavaliers could be making a costly mistake if they give up Strus to acquire Kuminga.
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