NBA trade proposal sends Jonathan Kuminga to Lakers in three-team deal

Jonathan Kuminga remains available in August, so naturally, the hypothetical trade machine continues to churn. And this one has some moving parts.

Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman of NBA on SI constructed a three-team sign-and-trade proposal involving the Lakers, Hawks and Bucks that would send Kuminga to Los Angeles.

Here’s the proposed deal:

Lakers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Jericho Sims

Hawks receive: Myles Turner, three future second-round picks

Bucks receive: Corey Kispert, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, a top-eight protected 2029 first-round pick from Atlanta and three second-round picks

Again, this is merely a proposal. Nobody is reporting that the three teams have discussed such a deal. But you can at least understand the thinking.

Kuminga would give the Lakers another young, athletic forward to put alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, while Sims could provide additional depth behind Walker Kessler. Los Angeles would also move off Vanderbilt’s contract.

Atlanta, meanwhile, would turn Kuminga into a veteran center who theoretically fits alongside Onyeka Okongwu. Turner is coming off a down season in Milwaukee, but his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor has long made him a useful frontcourt piece.

The Bucks would be playing the long game. After trading Giannis Antetokounmpo and entering a rebuild, Milwaukee would absorb salary while collecting a protected first and multiple second-rounders.

Would everyone actually agree to all of this? That’s another matter entirely.

Sign-and-trades are complicated, Kuminga has to agree to the contract, and Atlanta would have to decide that Turner and the draft compensation are enough.

Still, Kuminga needs a home. The Lakers need another difference-maker.

That’s more than enough to keep the August trade-proposal industry alive.