NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Clippers

Jonathan Kuminga remains one of the biggest unresolved names of the NBA offseason. Here’s another way someone thinks the Hawks could finally move him.

Rohan Roman of Hawks On SI proposed a sign-and-trade that would send Kuminga to the Clippers in exchange for veteran help.

To be clear, this is a hypothetical proposal, not something that has been reported as being discussed by Atlanta and Los Angeles. Under the idea:

Hawks receive: Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez

Clippers receive: Jonathan Kuminga on a three-year, $64.5 million deal, Mo Gueye, Buddy Hield and a 2029 second-round pick

The Clippers have at least been linked to Kuminga. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype previously reported that Los Angeles had explored the possibility of adding him in a sign-and-trade.

Why Atlanta might listen

The Hawks would be turning a restricted free agent who may not be part of their long-term plans into two veterans who could immediately help.

Jones gives Atlanta another versatile defender and athletic finisher.

Lopez would bring size, rim protection and shooting to a frontcourt that already features Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson.

Neither player represents a long-term building block, but both could help Atlanta now rather than allowing Kuminga’s situation to drag out or risking losing him later.

Why the Clippers might do it

Kuminga would give Los Angeles another young piece to add alongside Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram and Keaton Wagler.

He’s still just 23 and brings athleticism, rebounding and finishing around the rim. The Clippers would also get Hield’s shooting and Gueye as another developmental big.

There are plenty of moving pieces, and Kuminga would still have to agree to the proposed contract.

But the basic idea makes sense. Atlanta gets useful veterans instead of uncertainty. The Clippers get younger.

And Kuminga finally gets the larger role he’s been looking for.