Lakers get major ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga update after $45M contract offeroriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a very successful offseason, making several moves as they enter a new era of the franchise. With LeBron James no longer in Los Angeles, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are now the faces of the team moving forward
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The Lakers appear to be in a strong position to land Jonathan Kuminga, who has been their top free agent target for quite some time. Right now, Los Angeles is viewed as one of the favorites to acquire the former NBA champion
“There’s two teams [interested] right now. It’s the Cavs and the Lakers. I personally believe he will end up with the Lakers… He’s willing to hold out as long as possible… He wants somewhere in that sweet spot of $14-16 million,” NBA insider Brett Siegel said
The Lakers have continued to push toward a deal with Kuminga and have reportedly put a contract offer on the table for the young forward
“The Lakers have offered Jonathan Kuminga a contractgeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for Kuminga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote
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However, a new development has emerged in the Lakers’ pursuit of Kuminga. The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially entered the race for the former Warriors champion
“After missing out on their pursuit of LeBron James, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed interest in Kuminga with their starting power forward spot up for grabs and their $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception available for the taking, league
This makes the situation more complicated for the Lakers, who appeared to be gaining momentum in their pursuit of Kuminga. While Minnesota may not have as much financial flexibility to offer, the Timberwolves do provide an intriguing situation with a talented roster and an open starting power forward spot
Los Angeles still appears to be the more desirable destination, but Minnesota entering the picture gives Kuminga another option to consider. After investing this much time into the pursuit, the Lakers are unlikely to back down and will continue fighting to get a deal completed
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