The Dallas Mavericks were rumored to be interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga before he was traded to the Hawks, and there was plenty to regret after his debut in Atlanta. Kuminga went for 27 points and showcased a versatile game that would fit anywhere. After the years-long saga in Golden State, fans may finally get to see the best version of JK, and it will leave the Mavericks with plenty of regret.

The Hawks bought extremely low. They gave up former Maverick Kristaps Porzingis, who wasn’t working in Atlanta, to get Kuminga and Buddy Hield. It was a trade where each team dumped a problem, but it looks like the Hawks came out way ahead.

The Mavericks could have offered a Klay Thompson reunion or a starting-caliber big man in Daniel Gafford as the centerpiece to get Kuminga. Dallas is tanking down the stretch for a high draft pick to put around Cooper Flagg. They could have had a 23-year-old forward with All-Star upside on the cheap, but the Mavs missed their chance. Kuminga is already making them regret it.

Mavericks could have acquired a long-term fit next to Cooper Flagg on the cheap

In his Hawks debut, Kuminga produced 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in just 24 minutes of action. He was only allowed to play limited minutes after missing more than a month with a knee injury. Fans wouldn’t know by his play. JK made nine of his 12 field goals, including hitting three 3-pointers against the Wizards.

It wasn’t just the stats. Kuminga was doing everything Golden State hoped he would. The 6’7 forward was setting screens, making plays, getting out in transition, and defending multiple positions. The Mavericks would love to have that versatility next to Cooper Flagg. The rookie is a superstar, and Kuminga could have blossomed into his number two.

Khris Middleton has been outstanding since arriving in Dallas, but it could have Kuminga in that role. The youngster has long sought more opportunities. The Mavericks have it down the stretch, and it could have been the perfect jumping-off point for JK to become a star.

Flagg will likely be the face of the NBA in a few years. That only happens if Dallas builds a contending roster around him. The Mavs need pieces that can grow with him. There was no better option available at the deadline than Kuminga. The 23-year-old slasher would have helped open things up for Flagg and made the Mavericks even more interesting down the stretch.

Kuminga wanted out of Golden State after years of drama. The Warriors never fully embraced the former seventh overall pick and failed to help him reach his potential. Jason Kidd has brought the best out of several players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, Khris Middleton, and Flagg. Kuminga could have been the next name on that list.

The Dallas Mavericks can only watch with regret as Jonathan Kuminga stood out in his Hawks debut. The 6’7 forward was available for virtually free at the deadline, but the Mavs didn’t act. Expect Kuminga to make the regret worse from here. The talented wing is in the perfect spot and motivated to prove the Warriors wrong. That will likely be a dangerous combo.