Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for ex-Warriors NBA champion in 4-team blockbuster dealoriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred
The Los Angeles Lakers are still going all out in their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, a process that has now lasted for the past two months. Los Angeles is looking for a starting power forward and believes Kuminga could be the player to fill that role
Advertisement
The Lakers initially had competition from the Cleveland Cavaliers in their pursuit of Kuminga. However, it now appears Cleveland has shifted its focus elsewhere
“Jonathan Kuminga remains the Lakers’ top free agent target before finishing their offseason. As the Cavaliers have pivoted to chasing Peyton Watson, Kuminga is the sole focus currently for Los Angeles. There could soon be momentum gathering on Kuminga to LA
This is significant for Los Angeles, as the Lakers now appear to be the frontrunner for the former NBA champion. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings have also entered the picture, but Kuminga does not appear interested in the deals they have to offer
“Jonathan Kuminga is not willing to sign with any team on a one-year prove-it deal at the veteran’s minimum. The Kings and Timberwolves recently expressed interest in Kuminga, but the minimum salary made negotiations a no-go. The Lakers remain the favorites to acquire Kuminga,” Sidery posted
Advertisement
Now, the Lakers just need to get a sign-and-trade agreement in place with the Atlanta Hawks. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has proposed a four-team blockbuster trade that would send Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy out of Los Angeles while bringing Kuminga to the Lakers
Jonathan Kuminga (from Hawks)
Hawks receive:
2027 New York Knicks second-rounder (from Nets)
2032 first-round pick swap, 2032 second-rounder (from Lakers)
$18 million trade exception (Jonathan Kuminga)
Bulls receive:
Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
$2 million (from Lakers)
Nets receive:
Jaden Hardy (from Lakers)
Mouhamed Gueye (from Hawks)
2027 second-rounder (31-55 from Hawks)
2031 lowest second-rounder (from Bulls)
2033 Washington Wizards second-rounder (from Lakers)
$4 million (from Lakers)
This would be a strong deal for the Lakers because they would finally move two contracts they have been trying to get rid of throughout the summer. More importantly, they would finally land Kuminga after an incredibly long pursuit
Kuminga was on a $46 million contract last season between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. It is unknown what Kuminga and the Lakers could ultimately agree to in terms of salary, but it would likely be significantly less than that figure
Advertisement
With a deal like this possibly being completed, it would give all four teams a reason to move forward while allowing the Lakers to finally add the starting-caliber forward they have been searching for all offseason
More NBA news:
Heat predicted to outbid Celtics for $342M elite shooter, three-time All-Star, 14-year veteran
Lakers predicted to part ways with $54M disappointing defensive menace to clear roster spot
Miami Heat get big update on $305M future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star to join Giannis Antetokounmpo
Lakers legend scolds 76ers’ LeBron James GOAT case over team-hopping throughout career
