NBA Rumors: Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Cavs, Wizards, Anthony Davis, Knicks

Lakers

Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the Lakers’ top remaining targets in free agency.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Los Angeles continues to focus on adding another wing and one more center, with Kuminga sitting atop the wish list.

But there’s a catch.

The slow-moving LeBron James sweepstakes may be delaying Kuminga’s market.

The Cavaliers are also interested in Kuminga, according to Stein and Fischer, but Cleveland reportedly doesn’t want to make a commitment until James decides where he’ll play next season.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s familiarity with Kuminga from their time together in Golden State is believed to be one factor behind Cleveland’s interest.

Meanwhile, Atlanta hasn’t closed the door on bringing Kuminga back after declining his $24.3 million team option earlier this week. The Hawks are also said to be open to sign-and-trade discussions, while Milwaukee continues to monitor the situation as well.

Stein and Fischer added there’s a growing expectation Rui Hachimura won’t return to the Lakers, potentially opening the door for Kuminga if Los Angeles can find a way to make it work financially.

The Lakers are also still looking for another center after trading Deandre Ayton to Washington.

Kevon Looney remains a possibility, while Denver’s Jonas Valanciunas also continues to surface as a potential option if the Nuggets decline to fully guarantee his contract by July 8.

Wizards

Despite speculation following Friday’s trade for Ayton, Washington isn’t looking to flip Anthony Davis.

According to Stein and Fischer, the Wizards envision using Ayton and Davis together in bigger lineups, while also pairing Ayton with rising young center Alex Sarr.

That would give Washington plenty of size and versatility in the frontcourt heading into next season.

Knicks

Before agreeing to sign Andre Drummond, the Knicks explored several other possibilities.

Stein and Fischer report New York also expressed interest in Kevon Looney and monitored Charlotte center Moussa Diabate.

Diabate’s affordable $2.5 million expiring contract would have fit nicely as the Knicks continue trying to stay below the NBA’s second tax apron.

Instead, New York ultimately landed Drummond on a one-year veteran minimum contract after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics earlier in free agency.