Overview
- The Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on Monday, June 29, turning the 23-year-old into an unrestricted free agent and ending his brief 16-game stint in Atlanta.
- Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game for the Hawks but struggled with inconsistent three-point shooting, including a 5-for-24 mark in the first-round playoff series.
- By passing on the option Atlanta gains a full $15 million non-tax midlevel exception and roughly $27 million of room below the luxury tax, changes the front office says will help build around younger wings such as Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
- Reports name multiple likely suitors now that Kuminga is unrestricted, with the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers among teams expected to show interest.
- Kuminga’s path to a new deal could take several forms: a multiyear, lower-value contract with Atlanta is still possible, a return to Golden State looks unlikely given that team’s reported priorities, and other clubs may value his size and athletic upside despite shooting concerns.