NBA Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga, Lakers, Bruce Brown, Heat, Jalen Duren, Nikola Jokic

The Jonathan Kuminga waiting game continues. But perhaps we’re finally getting somewhere.

NBA insider Jake Fischer said during a Bleacher Report live stream that he continues to believe Kuminga’s decision will come down to the Lakers and Timberwolves.

The Lakers may have a couple things working in their favor. Fischer believes Kuminga prefers Los Angeles, and LA has a better path to paying him more than $10 million to start.

Of course, there’s a catch. Isn’t there always?

The Lakers would need a sign-and-trade with the Hawks to pay Kuminga more than the minimum. That means finding a deal Atlanta likes and signing Kuminga for at least three years.

Minnesota’s path is easier, but the money isn’t. The Timberwolves would likely be limited to something around the veteran minimum unless they make another cost-cutting move.

Fischer also said not to completely forget about the Bulls. Chicago could offer Kuminga the room exception, beginning at $9.4 million, without requiring a sign-and-trade.

So, yeah. Lakers. Timberwolves. Maybe Bulls. Someday, presumably, Kuminga will actually pick one.

Brown up next?

Another free agent still looking for a home is Bruce Brown, and Fischer expects the veteran swingman to eventually land with a playoff-caliber team.

The 76ers were considered a potential destination before they landed LeBron James, while the Rockets showed interest earlier in the offseason. Fischer indicated neither appears to be in the mix now.

He also doesn’t expect a return to Denver. One team worth watching? yes, you guessed it, the Lakers.

That’s interesting mostly because LA already has 16 players on fully guaranteed contracts. So Brown isn’t necessarily walking through an open door there. The Lakers would have to create one.

Still, Brown has spent most of his career being the sort of player contenders eventually find room for.

All you can Heat

Klay Thompson is now in town, but the Heat may not be finished adding to the roster. Not yet.

Fischer said he believes free agent center Nick Richards will likely end up in Miami, which would give the Heat another legitimate big body for the rotation.

Perhaps more interesting is what Fischer relayed about two players already there. He said Nikola Jovic‘s four-year, $62.4 million contract is currently viewed around the league as a negative asset. Also, Bobby Portis‘ two-year, $30.1 million deal is considered an even bigger negative, Fischer added.

That’s noteworthy for a Miami team that may eventually want some flexibility to make another move.

Basically, the Heat have contracts they can trade. Whether anybody particularly wants them is another matter.

Duren update

Things have gotten a little uncomfortable between Jalen Duren and the Pistons during his restricted free agency.

Nevertheless, Fischer didn’t sound overly concerned. He expects Detroit and Duren to eventually work out a long-term contract and mend fences after negotiations dragged deeper into the summer than either side probably anticipated.

That’s probably the sensible outcome. Duren is still just 22, and Detroit just won 60 games with him as an important part of the operation.

Bottom line? Contract negotiations can create hard feelings. They can also disappear pretty quickly once everyone gets paid.

Jokic sure to draw buzz

Finally, there is Nikola Jokic. Which means, naturally, there are 29 other teams paying attention.

Fischer said rival clubs will be watching the Nuggets closely this season with Jokic potentially eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.

That said, Jokic has indicated that he intends to sign a long-term extension with the Nuggets. So nobody should start ordering Jokic jerseys in another team’s colors just yet.

But you know how the NBA works. If Denver has a disappointing season, teams will wonder whether Jokic might reconsider. They’ll probably make phone calls. They’ll probably convince themselves they have a chance.

Maybe none of it matters. But when a three-time MVP could technically become available, nobody around the NBA is going to look the other way.