Celtics predicted to outbid Lakers, Cavs for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, pair with Jayson Tatum originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jonathan Kuminga's free agency has been one of the biggest storylines of the summer as he continues to search for his next team. His situation has become complicated, particularly with the difficulty of reaching an agreement on a contract.
There has been a clear foundation for Kuminga throughout the summer. From the beginning, the Los Angeles Lakers have been interested in the NBA champion.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
In fact, the Lakers have been adamant about getting Kuminga into the same offense as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Currently, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lakers are believed to be the frontrunners for the 23-year-old star.
“The Lakers and Cavaliers still seem like the most likely landing spots for Kuminga, likely by way of sign-and-trade. The Wolves could be a darkhorse if he wants to take a pay cut, as I don't believe Minnesota will want to acquire him via sign-and-trade, and they are the closest of these teams to getting to the NBA Finals,” SI’s Jackson Caudell wrote.
While that is the current outlook for Kuminga's potential destinations, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes he could ultimately sign with the Boston Celtics.
“Whether Jonathan Kuminga belongs here has little to do with his value as a player. We have yet to see him deliver complementary offense, rebounding and defense for an entire season on top of his from-scratch proclivities, but the physical tools and semi-extended stretches of highest-percentile actualization remain tantalizing. Potential cost is the only barrier for entry. He could be someone that gets more than the $6.1 million mini MLE, particularly if the Atlanta Hawks are willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade,” Favale wrote.
This could be a strong opportunity for Kuminga, as the Celtics are looking for another key player to complement Jayson Tatum after trading Jaylen Brown. Boston would also be competing in a jam-packed Eastern Conference.
Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season. Adding him would give Boston another young, talented piece with plenty of upside. If he can continue developing, Kuminga could become a major part of the Celtics' future and provide a significant boost to their starting lineup.
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