The Atlanta Hawks face a June 29 deadline on Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option for the 2024-25 season. Kuminga arrived in Atlanta in February when the Warriors sent him to the Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. The forward was the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, selected a spot ahead of Franz Wagner, and entered his sixth NBA season at 23 years old.

In his 16 games with Atlanta, Kuminga posted 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while posting a modest 0.1 box-plus-minus. Those numbers sit on a contract that is steep relative to his production, especially when the Hawks could allocate that salary to a more established contributor. The price tag, however, reflects his original rookie deal and the market’s view of his upside.

Kuminga’s value lies in his raw athleticism and defensive versatility. At 6-8 with a strong wingspan, he can guard multiple positions, finish at the rim, and create his own shot off the dribble. He also thrives in pick-and-roll situations, where his ability to finish or kick out adds a dimension to Quin Snyder’s offensive schemes. While consistency remains a developmental hurdle, his skill set aligns with the Hawks’ emphasis on defensive flexibility and transition scoring.

From a roster perspective, Atlanta already carries several capable wings, yet the team still needs a solid big man and depth at the guard positions. Declining the option would free up cap space while preserving the ability to negotiate a new deal. A contract in the neighborhood of $15 million per year would satisfy Kuminga’s market expectations and keep his upside on a manageable salary, allowing the Hawks to address other roster needs without jeopardizing long-term flexibility.

Analyst John Hollinger of The Athletic predicts the Hawks will decline the option, and that move makes strategic sense. By opting out and then offering a longer-term, lower-value contract, Atlanta can retain a player with significant upside without overpaying. Walking away would risk losing a high-upside wing, while a well-structured deal could turn Kuminga into a key piece as the franchise continues to build around its young core.