The Cleveland Cavaliers missed out on LeBron James after he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The Cavaliers hoped to reunite for the second time with their so-called prodigal son, but James had a different plan.
Now, Cleveland’s focus is expected to shift to James Harden, who declined his $42.3 million player option to give the front office more financial space in its pursuit of James.
Another name to continue to monitor is Jonathan Kuminga. The Cavaliers have shown interest in the athletic forward throughout the summer. Even after signing Mario Hezonja to a one-year contract, Cleveland is still looking at Kuminga, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“The Cavaliers began the moving-on process (from James) Sunday by quickly coming to terms with Hezonja on a one-year deal and continue to be described as a potential suitor for Hawks free agent swingman Jonathan Kuminga,” wrote Stein on his Substack.
Kuminga remains an intriguing target for Cleveland because of his high upside. He is, after all, just 23 years old. But while he has the tools to be a solid two-way threat, it is the mental aspect of the game that he has struggled with.
In 16 games with the Atlanta Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He shot 47.6% from the field, including 34.6% from three-point distance. Unfortunately for him, the Hawks viewed him as a disposable asset after trading for him in February.
Kuminga could add firepower to the Cavaliers’ bench, which currently features Hezonja, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, Nae’qwan Tomlin, and Meleek Thomas.