The Atlanta Hawks officially declined Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season on June 29, turning the 23-year-old forward into an unrestricted free agent. The decision was made at the very last moment of the deadline, leaving Kuminga free to choose his next destination.

Kuminga arrived in Atlanta at the trade deadline, packaged with Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. In his short tenure he became the best player off the bench, earning a reputation as a vital part of the Hawks' rotation. His two strongest playoff outings helped the Hawks defeat the New York Knicks twice, underscoring his impact in the postseason.

Ahead of the NBA Draft the Hawks were reportedly actively shopping Kuminga, weighing trade possibilities before ultimately opting to decline his option. The timing suggests the club preferred to let the market decide rather than commit a $24.3 million salary to a player whose fit was still in question.

Early interest in Kuminga reportedly came from the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. More recently, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a possible suitor for a team that is reshaping itself around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Lakers' interest signals that Kuminga is viewed as a high-upside asset for a club looking to add athleticism and scoring depth.

While the Lakers remain interested, a reunion with the Hawks has not been actively discussed. Kuminga is widely regarded as the most valuable free-agent option besides LeBron James, and his time in Atlanta showed he possesses considerable talent with room for further development. The lack of active talks between the two clubs suggests both sides are weighing their respective rebuilding timelines.

For the Lakers, adding Kuminga could address a perceived need for a versatile wing who can thrive in transition and complement a roster built around Doncic’s playmaking. For the Hawks, retaining Kuminga would require navigating the financial implications of his contract, which the team appears unwilling to do at this juncture. As free agency unfolds, Kuminga’s next move will likely hinge on which organization can best align his upside with their strategic direction.