The Hawks have at least looked into what Jonathan Kuminga might bring back on the trade market. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re eager to move him.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Atlanta has done its due diligence and gauged Kuminga’s value around the league ahead of the NBA Draft.
The timing makes sense. Kuminga has a $24.3 million team option for next season, giving the Hawks a significant decision to make before free agency fully gets underway.
But while Atlanta has explored possibilities, Scotto reported that Kuminga returning next season remains “a real possibility.”
In other words, don’t start packing his bags just yet.
Kuminga, 23, remains one of the league’s more talented young forwards, capable of scoring in bunches and defending multiple positions when locked in.
He also delivered a couple of strong performances during Atlanta’s first-round playoff series against the Knicks, scoring a combined 40 points in two Hawks victories.
That’s one reason rival teams continue to view him as an intriguing trade target.
All that said, the Hawks appear to be keeping their options open. And that may be the smartest approach.
Whether Kuminga is part of Atlanta’s future or used to help land another piece, it sounds as if the Hawks are at least taking a look at every possible avenue.
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