The Atlanta Hawks executed a buy-low trade when they acquired Jonathan Kuminga before the 2026 NBA trade deadline. They sent out Kristaps Porziņģis, who only played 17 games with Atlanta this season. The star center’s contract also expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh made sure to receive any value instead of Porziņģis potentially walking for nothing in free agency.
If Kuminga does not fit in Atlanta after this season, the franchise can decline his $24.3 million team option this summer. In fact, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported the Hawks intend to do just that. However, it seems Kuminga’s camp and the Hawks want to reach an agreement on a new deal when 2026 free agency begins.
Insider Drops Update On New Hawks Forward’s Contract Situation
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer provided the latest update on March 19 regarding Kuminga’s future in Atlanta.
“There is mutual interest, league sources say, for the Hawks to potentially decline their 2026-27 option on Kuminga valued at $24.3 million in order for the sides to hash out a longer-term agreement,” reported Fischer.
Kuminga signed a two-year, $46.8 million deal with the Warriors before this season. The deal ended a restricted free agency stalemate last summer. He wanted a fresh start after Golden State head coach Steve Kerr excised him from the rotation. Saleh gave him that chance in Atlanta, and the 23-year-old wants to take full advantage of his new opportunity. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder deploys Kuminga in a prominent bench role when the team is healthy, playing 22.7 minutes per contest.
Jonathan Kuminga Gives Hawks Reliable Offensive Production When Healthy
Kuminga averages 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in six games with the Hawks. He suffered a left knee bone bruise on Jan 22 with Golden State. The injury kept him sidelined to start his Atlanta tenure. The 2022 NBA champion debuted for his new squad on Feb. 24 against the Washington Wizards and came out on fire. He put up 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across his first three contests. However, the Hawks forward missed four of the next five games due to left knee injury management. Atlanta is certainly being cautious with Kuminga, as it ruled him out of the first game of a back-to-back set on March 20.
The seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft gives the Hawks much-needed above-the-rim pressure and athleticism off the bounce. Before Kuminga arrived, Atlanta did not have a slashing, above-the-rim threat other than Jalen Johnson. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels can get to the paint with ease, but they do not finish through contact like Johnson. In contrast, Kuminga consistently drives into defenders’ chests or tries to put them on a poster.
Mar 1, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Kuminga’s Long-Term Fit In Atlanta
Snyder made a big change to the starting lineup a few weeks back. Specifically, he replaced Zaccharie Risacher with CJ McCollum. The move certainly paid dividends, as Atlanta has won 11 straight games. This is the first time it happened since its 19-game win streak during the 2014-15 campaign. While McCollum has played well, at 34 years old with an expiring contract. He might not fit into the Hawks’ long-term plans.
If McCollum leaves, and Atlanta re-signs Kuminga, the young forward could compete for the starting small forward position with Risacher next season. The 2024 No.1 pick has been excellent defensively, but his offensive production has taken a step back. If he cannot find his rhythm, the Hawks might look toward Kuminga as a starter in the future if he can stay healthy.
Featured Image: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images