With the Cleveland Cavaliers landing Peyton Watson, one of the biggest free agents this summer, in a multi-team sign-and-trade deal from the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, it seems like they're out of the running for Jonathan Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Lakers have wanted Kuminga since the start of the NBA's free agency period, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are also rumored to be interested in the 23-year-old forward. But Kuminga, who is still a free agent, is thought to be demanding a contract that would pay him at least $20 million a year.
Reporter Keith Smith said on the "NBA Front Office" show that Kuminga is "still holding out" for a sizable contract (h/t Heavy Sports).
“I know the Lakers would still love to acquire him. … That is certainly on the table still,” Smith said on “NBA Front Office.” “But Kuminga is still holding out for a much bigger contract than it looks like he’s headed to get right now.”
Kuminga's potential is undeniable. He's very athletic and a big threat in transition, but he hasn't put it all together in five pro seasons. Thus far, he has a career average of 12.5 points in 22.1 minutes a game on 50.2% field-goal shooting and 33.2% from 3-point range.
He was traded by the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks midway through this past season, and while in Golden State, he was benched multiple times. He has displayed plenty of defensive lapses, and the narrative surrounding him is that he's lacking in the intangibles department.
There have been conflicting reports about whether the Lakers and Hawks have been able to agree to a sign-and-trade package. But if the Lakers end up pulling the trigger on such a deal, they would be taking a big risk on Kuminga, especially given how little tradable draft capital they have right now.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Reporter: Lakers target Jonathan Kuminga is 'still holding out'
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