The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have resumed discussions about a potential Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade, with Jaden Hardy reportedly emerging as part of the latest framework.
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports reported that the teams discussed a Kuminga sign-and-trade earlier in the offseason, but negotiations stalled because Atlanta is not looking to take on additional salary without receiving meaningful draft compensation. The Hawks are reportedly about $3.8 million below the luxury-tax line, while Kuminga currently carries a zero cap figure for Atlanta.
The latest talks have included Hardy, who is set to earn $6 million this season. Earlier discussions reportedly centered on Jarred Vanderbilt and his $12.4 million salary, making Hardy a potentially less expensive mechanism for matching salaries in a revised structure.
Atlanta also has a roster-management issue to solve. The Hawks currently have 17 players under contract heading into training camp and need to reduce that number rather than add multiple players, which could further complicate any deal unless outgoing contracts or additional moves are included.
Kuminga, 23, averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games during the 2025-26 season while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. After joining Atlanta, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on 47.6% shooting in 16 appearances.
Los Angeles offers Kuminga a clearer route to both a larger contract and a starting role. The Lakers finished 53-29 last season and reached the Western Conference semifinals, where they were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Lakers’ projected need at forward makes Kuminga’s profile particularly relevant. His ability to play either forward spot and attack the basket could add another athletic option next to Luka Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games last season.
The financial side remains the central obstacle. Atlanta has little incentive to absorb additional salary and reportedly wants quality draft compensation for doing so, while the Lakers have previously resisted attaching a significant pick to complete the transaction.
Minnesota has also been identified as a finalist for Kuminga, but the Timberwolves are reportedly limited to a veteran-minimum offer. A Lakers sign-and-trade would therefore give Kuminga a substantially stronger financial option, provided Los Angeles and Atlanta can find a structure that addresses the Hawks’ tax and roster concerns.
