Four-team NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Lakers

Jonathan Kuminga to the Lakers has been floating around all summer. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report came up with perhaps the most elaborate way yet to make it happen.

Pincus proposed a four-team trade involving the Lakers, Hawks, Bulls and Nets that would send Kuminga to Los Angeles on a four-year, $77.4 million contract.

To be clear, this is a hypothetical proposal, not a deal that has been reported as being discussed. The basic framework:

Lakers receive: Jonathan Kuminga

Hawks receive: 2032 first-round pick swap and second-round compensation

Bulls receive: Dalton Knecht

Nets receive: Jaden Hardy, Mouhamed Gueye and multiple second-round picks

There are also cash considerations and trade exceptions involved, because apparently four teams weren’t complicated enough.

Why the Lakers do it

Los Angeles has reshaped the roster around Luka Doncic but still has a fairly obvious opening at power forward following LeBron James‘ departure.

Kuminga would give the Lakers a 23-year-old athletic forward who has been linked to them repeatedly and could immediately step into a significant role.

The cost would include Knecht, Hardy and some of the franchise’s remaining draft capital.

Why Atlanta participates

The Hawks would avoid losing Kuminga without receiving anything in return while creating financial and roster flexibility.

Pincus has Atlanta receiving a future Lakers first-round swap, second-round compensation and an $18 million trade exception.

That’s not exactly a star return. It’s something, though.

Why Chicago and Brooklyn help

The Bulls essentially use remaining spending flexibility to take a chance on Knecht, the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft.

Brooklyn does what rebuilding teams with cap room often do: absorb contracts in exchange for draft assets. The Nets would collect additional second-rounders for facilitating the deal.

There are easier ways to make a trade. But the underlying idea is simple enough.

The Lakers want Kuminga. Atlanta needs a worthwhile sign-and-trade return. Chicago can use another young shooter. Brooklyn is happy collecting picks.

Pincus just needed four teams to get everybody there.