Jonathan Kuminga is officially an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 NBA offseason. The Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, pushing the 23-year-old forward onto the open market. He currently sits as the eighth-best available player on the board, trailing players like James Harden, Jalen Duren, and LeBron James, ranking as a top remaining unrestricted free agent according to FanSided.
And his initial plan did not work out. Kuminga originally wanted a long-term deal paying upward of $30 million annually. That demand forced his exit from the Golden State Warriors. But his market dried up fast. After arriving in Atlanta, his production slipped to 12.3 points per game across just 16 appearances. Teams are no longer offering max contracts. Instead, front offices view him as a high-upside reclamation project.
Bleacher Report analyst Mike Chiari narrowed the top landing spots down to three teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Each franchise offers a completely different path for the young forward.
The Lakers are looking for a physical wing building block because LeBron James is poised to leave in free agency. Milwaukee is facing an even bigger transition. The Bucks are pursuing Kuminga to soak up heavy minutes during a total roster reset following their blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
Cleveland brings a familiar face. If Kuminga signs with the Cavaliers, he reconnects with head coach Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson served as an assistant with the Warriors during Kuminga’s early developmental years.
Atlanta is not entirely out of the picture, either. The Hawks still maintain active interest in re-signing Kuminga, but only if he accepts a significantly reduced salary. As of July 8, he remains unsigned.