Hawks’ Contract Plan for Jonathan Kuminga Revealed: Report

Getty

Jonathan Kuminga of the Atlanta Hawks dunks during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards in his debut since his trade from the Golden State Warriors.

The Atlanta Hawks and Jonathan Kuminga are already looking beyond the current season.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is mutual interest between the Hawks and Kuminga in negotiating a long-term contract — a notable development just weeks after Atlanta acquired the former lottery pick.

“There is mutual interest, league sources say, for the Hawks to potentially decline their 2026-27 team option on Kuminga valued at $24.3 million in order for the sides to hash out a longer-term agreement,” Fischer reported in The Stein Line.

Kuminga Embracing Long-Term Vision in Atlanta

Kuminga has not shied away from the idea of building something sustainable in Atlanta.

“That’s the goal,” Kuminga told The Stein Line. “That’s what we’re trying to do here, what we’re trying to stamp here as a group. We talk about it every day. It starts now. We’re not waiting until next year.”

His comments reflect a player who sees Atlanta as more than a short-term stop and a franchise that appears willing to invest in his upside.

Contract Landscape Adds Context

Kuminga’s situation stands out when compared to his 2021 draft class peers.

Five of the six players selected before him have already secured major extensions, including Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes, all of whom received five-year maximum deals.

Franz Wagner also signed a max extension, while Jalen Green and Jalen Suggs landed significant multi-year contracts.

Unlike many of those players, Kuminga did not begin his career as a full-time starter, which has impacted his market trajectory.

That distinction could shape negotiations, particularly as Atlanta weighs its long-term value against its current salary structure.

Hawks Likely to Set Different Price Range

Atlanta has already committed significant money to its core.

Franchise cornerstone Jalen Johnson signed a five-year, $150 million extension in 2024, establishing a benchmark within the organization.

It is considered unlikely that Kuminga would command a similar figure at this stage, though his recent play could influence that outlook.

Kuminga Showing Early Impact

Since arriving from the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline, Kuminga has begun to carve out a role in Atlanta’s rotation.

Through his first six games, he is averaging 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals in just 22.7 minutes per game, while shooting an efficient 56.6% from the field and 58.3% from three-point range.

He added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting in Wednesday’s 135-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

That game also featured a moment that captured the Hawks’ current momentum — a 74-foot heave from Kuminga that went in, marking the longest shot in franchise history.

Hawks Surging in Eastern Conference Race

Atlanta’s rise has coincided with Kuminga’s arrival.

The Hawks have now won 11 straight games, improving to 38-31 and moving into a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

They are currently tied with the Miami Heat and sit just a half-game behind the Orlando Magic for the No. 6 seed — the final guaranteed playoff spot.

The winning streak is tied for the fourth-longest in franchise history and represents the team’s longest run since the 2014-15 season.

Fit Still Developing Under Quin Snyder

Despite the strong results, Kuminga’s integration remains a work in progress.

Head coach Quin Snyder has emphasized patience, focusing on long-term fit rather than immediate production.

Kuminga’s role has fluctuated as he works back from a prior knee issue and adjusts to Atlanta’s system, but his defensive versatility and physical tools continue to stand out.

Decision Looms for Hawks Front Office

Atlanta faces a key decision in the coming months.

Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season provides flexibility, but declining it in favor of a long-term deal could signal confidence in his development.

For now, both sides appear aligned.

And as the Hawks continue their surge, Kuminga’s long-term future in Atlanta may be trending toward something more permanent.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo

Source link