The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to show interest in Jonathan Kuminga despite facing competition from the Los Angeles Lakers for arguably the best free agent remaining on the market. This is despite recently signing Mario Hezonja on a one-year deal and the financial constraints they are currently operating under.
The Cavs are already hard-capped at the first apron, and the lack of salary-cap space means that they will need a sign-and-trade agreement with the Atlanta Hawks in order to get their man, per Jake Fischer. Cleveland has also been reluctant to ship out either Max Struss or Dennis Schroder, which adds up to more than $31 million in salary for next season alone.
“Strus and Schröder undoubtedly contributed to Cleveland’s run last season to the Eastern Conference finals, but parting with one of them would result in some financial flexibility that the Cavaliers could surely use,” Fischer wrote.
Even James Harden’s contract is expected to not be any longer than two years. With the Cavs determined to stay out of the second apron, something may need to give. The Hawks have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Jarrett Allen for some time, but Cleveland has continued to reject that possibility and have not included him in any Kuminga discussions.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old reportedly “isn’t looking to be boxed” into a three-year deal at a number he deems below his market value. However, NBA rules stipulate that any sign-and-trade deal should involve at least a three-year contract with the player, which means that the Cavs may simply struggle to pay the former Warriors man what he wants.
Kuminga reportedly looks intent to play the same waiting game he successfully managed at the start of last season with the Warriors, which resulted in a two-year, $48.5 million extension. With both the Lakers and the Cavs operating under a tight budget, another team with a deeper purse can still potentially enter the race.