The battle for Kuminga heats up! US media ranks six potential destinations: Lakers last, Clippers second

On July 8, Beijing time, Kuminga officially became an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any interested team. This explosive but highly inconsistent two-way forward—where should he go? The competition for him is gradually intensifying. Considering each team's cap space, roster fit, and offseason rumors,知名 US media outlet Bleacher Report listed six potential landing spots worth watching, revealed in reverse order—

6. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers can currently offer Kuminga only a veteran minimum contract, but they are still actively pursuing him. Reports earlier indicated that through a series of moves, the Lakers are expected to eventually offer a 2-year, $20 million deal.

ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin revealed that Lakers GM Pelinka and head coach Reddick held a virtual meeting with the 24-year-old player, outlining a vision: he would become a high-minute wing alongside Luka Doncic, with the team's wide-open offense perfectly unlocking Kuminga's skills.

This pitch is not very convincing. If they sign Kuminga for the minimum, the Lakers would get a steal; but the team just lost Smart and urgently needs reliable perimeter defense. Although they added Grimes, he cannot guard bigger wings.

Kuminga also has defensive shortcomings: his physical tools should make him a quality perimeter stopper and rebounder, but his defensive effort fluctuates wildly. Offensively, there are fit issues—he prefers to operate with the ball, while the Lakers already have two high-usage playmakers in Doncic and Reaves.

This rumored signing feels awkward for all three parties. If the Lakers later try to acquire Kuminga via sign-and-trade at a price above the minimum, the deal becomes even more questionable.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

After trading Giannis to the Heat, the Bucks are in a new lineup experimentation phase, and Kuminga fits perfectly with the team's rebuild-and-trial approach.

There is no absolute ball-dominant player on the roster, so they can allocate ample shot attempts to Kuminga. Jaquez is the team's highest usage player, but this year's Sixth Man of the Year finalist is not the team's undisputed offensive focal point.

Rollins, Herro (assuming he stays), and Burks can all handle the ball while also spacing the floor off the ball. The Bucks also have stretch center Turner, who can create plenty of driving lanes for Kuminga to attack the rim.

The team simply needs to stagger Kuminga's minutes with Amen and Kuzma, making rotation management easy—far better fit than most other teams.

Additionally, the Bucks are well below the luxury tax line and have ample flexibility. They can use all or part of their $15 million mid-level exception to sign Kuminga, betting that he will realize his potential.

4. Sacramento Kings

Nearly everyone in the league believes the Kings will pursue Kuminga. Reporter Spears stated that after Kuminga became a free agent, the Kings are expected to chase him; but another reporter, Amick, reported that the Kings currently have no plans to bring him in.

Overall, it's still likely the Kings will remain in contact with Kuminga. The team lacks young, athletic two-way forwards with self-creation ability; if they trade Sabonis later, they could reallocate usage to Kuminga.

A fully unleashed Kuminga could significantly relieve the offensive and defensive pressure on rookie Akafu. With Reynolds, Keegan Murray, Hunter, Monk, and LaVine all providing consistent three-point shooting, the abundance of floor-spacers at other positions can compensate for Kuminga's inconsistent perimeter shooting.

Salary is the biggest obstacle for the Kings in signing Kuminga. Even after trading Devin Carter, the team's payroll remains above the luxury tax line; if they want to use all or part of the $15 million MLE to sign him, the Kings must further reduce their salary commitments.

3. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks declining Kuminga's team option does not mean they are giving up on re-signing him; they simply want to renegotiate his salary.

Originally, counting Kuminga's $24.3 million salary would have pushed the Hawks past the luxury tax line. Now, after releasing that salary, the team is $25 million below the tax line, giving management ample room to complete trades or use the $15 million MLE without triggering the tax.

Assuming Kuminga's annual salary is $15 million, the Hawks would still have over $10 million in MLE space to sign another free agent.

However, whether allocating significant usage to Kuminga is wise remains debatable. Multiple playoff games showed poor lineup compatibility when he and Dyson Daniels shared the floor; featuring Kuminga heavily would also inevitably cut into the minutes of 2024 No. 1 pick Risacher.

Despite clear weaknesses, Kuminga occasionally flashes high-level play. If his eventual annual salary drops significantly, re-signing him is not impossible for the Hawks, especially given the team's plan to package multiple players in a consolidation trade.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers have over $20 million in cap space and lack athletic wings who can attack the rim. With a blurred line between short-term contention and long-term rebuilding, Kuminga is an attractive target.

Admittedly, Kuminga's offensive style overlaps with Mathurin's, but the latter is a restricted free agent, and whether he stays is uncertain.

Even if Mathurin re-signs, Kuminga's height and explosive athleticism give him an advantage, providing a stronger wing partner for guards Garland and Wagner.

1. Boston Celtics

Celtics president Stevens' core offseason target is to add a wing who can attack the rim—the same reason the team aggressively pursued Giannis earlier.

Using part of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Kuminga would be a cost-effective backup plan. Last season, Kuminga attempted 5.08 shots at the rim per 75 possessions, ranking second among non-big Celtics players, trailing only Jaylen Brown's 5.20.

Although Kuminga lacks consistent outside shooting, the Celtics have a deep roster of shooters who can space the floor for his isolations and drives. Signing him would require betting on continued improvement in his rebounding and defense, but last season he already showed clear progress in rebounding.