The Atlanta Hawks pulled the trigger on a bold call involving Jonathan Kuminga. They declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season. This move leaves the former seventh overall pick as an unrestricted free agent. He hasn’t signed a new deal anywhere yet. The clock is ticking fast for both sides.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Kuminga flashed genuine talent during his short Atlanta stint. He averaged 12.3 points on 58 percent true shooting in just 16 regular season games. Per Peachtree Hoops, he logged only 22.1 minutes per contest. His production dipped slightly in the six-game Knicks series. He scored 13.7 points per game but saw his minutes jump to 26.0. The stats show a scorer who needs more time to shine.
However, the front office sees a different picture. Onsi Saleh, the president of basketball operations, decided against the guaranteed money. This signals a lack of long-term faith in the 24-year-old forward. The Hawks aren’t willing to pay that price without a clear path to the playoffs.
A Tough Market for a Sign-and-Trade
Atlanta has the tools to execute a sign-and-trade deal. They could bring back assets even this deep into free agency. Many teams lack the cap space to absorb his salary directly. Kuminga operated as the sixth man late in the season. Yet, rumors suggest he wants a bigger role elsewhere. This creates a mismatch between his goals and what the Hawks can offer.
Insiders note that teams are hesitant to meet his asking price. According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Hawks will be very choosy about trade scenarios. They likely want to recoup value close to last season’s $22.5 million salary. This demand makes finding a match difficult. The market might not have enough cap flexibility to satisfy both sides.
The Time to Move Is Now
Waiting any longer could leave Atlanta with nothing. One trusted source told Stein and Fischer that eight or nine players might sign right after LeBron James decides his future. That window is closing fast. If the Hawks hold out, they risk losing Kuminga for nothing. A sign-and-trade is the only way to get something back.
The organization must act quickly to secure assets. Keeping him without a plan hurts the rebuild. Fans want progress, not stalled negotiations. The Hawks need to capitalize on his talent before it walks away. It’s time to make a deal.
Do you think the Hawks should trade Kuminga for draft picks, or let him walk for free? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
