According to Jake Fischer, Kuminga does not want to be “boxed into” a three-year contract for an amount he deems below his market value. Furthermore, the Lakers already offered a two-year, $20 million deal, which Kuminga reportedly declined as he waits out the market for a more lucrative proposal.

“I have been repeatedly told by league sources familiar with the teams’ dynamic that the Lakers and Hawks never held meaningful discussions on a sign-and-trade proposal that would have landed Kuminga with the Lakers in exchange for Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick swap,” Fischer wrote. “It has also been stressed to me that Kuminga, to this point in free agency, isn’t looking to be boxed into a three-year structure (as required by league rules to complete a sign-and-trade) at a number he deems below his market value.”

Complications mounting for the Lakers

Kuminga has once again become the subject of a drawn-out offseason saga after the Atlanta Hawks declined the $24.3 million team option on the former Golden State Warriors star. While the Cavaliers and Lakers have maintained consistent interest, both teams reportedly require a sign-and-trade proposal, which league rules dictate must be a three-year contract.

League sources indicate Cleveland has not backed away from its pursuit even after recent roster additions, while the Lakers remain interested if Kuminga becomes willing to accept a contract structure that aligns with the organization’s finances. Cleveland, already hard-capped at the NBA‘s first apron, would need to acquire Kuminga through a sign-and-trade. However, the squad has struggled to construct a package that Atlanta would find acceptable.

Cavaliers and Lakers lead pursuit

Cleveland’s financial situation continues to influence other roster decisions, including contract negotiations with James Harden, whose contract is expected to include no more than two fully guaranteed seasons as Cleveland attempts to stay below the second apron for a second consecutive year. Cleveland has also shown reluctance to sacrifice future assets such as Max Strus or Dennis Schroder in its attempt to acquire Kuminga.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles reportedly wants Kuminga to step in as its starting small forward if a deal can be finalized. However, with Kuminga unwilling to sign a three-year contract and choosing to hold out for a better offer than the two-year deal Los Angeles presented, little progress has been made.

“The market for 23-year-old wing Jonathan Kuminga is not what he hoped it would be. Atlanta did not pick up the team’s $24.3 million option for this season, Kuminga hoped he could find a team willing to pay him around that number in a new, multi-year deal. No such luck,” NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin wrote.

“The offers out there were more like the Cavaliers still offering the rest of their mid-level exception this season (a little less than $8 million) or the Lakers offering two years, $20 million total.”

Kuminga has become a diamond in the rough this offseason, not only because of his age but also because of what he can offer to the teams interested in him. Will he take his talent to the Western Conference, or will he instead move to Cleveland?

Where would Kuminga fit best?

While Jonathan Kuminga has familiarity with Cleveland’s head coach Kenny Atkinson from their time in Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers would represent a significantly better overall fit for his projected role in the 2026–27 NBA season.

LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers would eventually give Kuminga a bigger role in LA, where Luka Doncic is currently the main star. Conversely, Cleveland’s recent acquisition of Mario Hezonja creates a crowded wing rotation alongside Donovan Mitchell, where Kuminga would likely be relegated to a secondary off-ball role in a slower, guard-centric system.

Kuminga’s numbers with the Hawks

After being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026, Jonathan Kuminga posted solid production in a limited sample size. Across 16 games with the Hawks, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while playing roughly 23 minutes per night.

How to watch Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch this Summer League game live on NBA League Pass and Amazon Prime Video.

Be sure to tune in and catch all the action from start to finish in what is expected to be a thrilling and entertaining contest.

Can I watch Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics for free?

Watch the full match live in the United States on Amazon Prime Video, one of the streaming platforms carrying the event.

New users can watch for free by taking advantage of Amazon Prime Video’s 30-day free trial before choosing a paid subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

NBA Summer League offers teams an opportunity to evaluate young talent ahead of the new season, and this matchup features two franchises looking to bounce back from early playoff exits.

The Atlanta Hawks finished sixth in the Eastern Conference before falling to the eventual champions New York Knicks in the first round.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics placed second in the East but were unexpectedly eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams will look to use Summer League as a stepping stone toward a stronger 2026-27 campaign.

What time is the Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics match?

The match kicks off today, July 13, at 6:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 6:00 PM
Central Time: 5:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:00 PM

The 76ers were down 3-1 in the series against the Celtics but managed to push it to seven games, which granted the Knicks extra rest while they awaited the winner; consequently, they will hold a slight advantage in a series set to begin at Madison Square Garden in New York for the first two games.

Advancing to the final stage of the East is a major goal for this roster, especially after the heartbreak of the 2024-25 season. That year, the Knicks’ deep playoff run was cut short in the conference finals by the Indiana Pacers, who defeated them in six games with a final series score of 4-2.

Knicks’ conference semifinal history and championship drought

Over the last 10 seasons, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals three times prior to this year, appearing in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. While they successfully advanced past this round in 2025 to reach the conference finals, they suffered a second-round exit in 2024 at the hands of the Pacers in a seven-game series.

The franchise has navigated several rebuilding periods over the past decade, only finding consistent playoff success in recent years. Despite this recent resurgence against the Hawks, the ultimate prize has eluded the city for over half a century, as fans in the Bronx and across the city remain hungry for a return to the league’s mountaintop.

The New York Knicks last won an NBA championship in 1973, which marked the second of two titles in franchise history. With more than 50 years passing since they last hoisted the trophy, this current 2026 squad is determined to break that long-standing drought and bring a title back to Madison Square Garden.

His status is a major storyline given his impact on defense, rebounding and transition play throughout the series. The Hawks are preparing for both scenarios, knowing his presence or absence could significantly alter the defensive structure.

With the series on the line, Mike Brown’s men, who are currently leading 3-2, are expected to wait until pre-game warmups before making a final decision on one of their most valuable two-way role players.

How and when did Josh Hart get injured?

The 31-year-old shooting guard Josh Hart suffered a lower back contusion during Game 5 of the New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series after a hard-contact play in the second half.

According to official injury reports, the issue occurred late in the game and forced him to briefly exit before returning in limited capacity, with noticeable discomfort afterward. He did not return to full action and was listed on the injury report.

How has Josh Hart performed this season?

Josh Hart has once again been one of the New York Knicks’ most complete and versatile players during the 2025-26 season. He has averaged 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field.

His value has been especially noticeable in high-intensity games. He has frequently guarded opposing stars on the perimeter. During the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, their defensive strategy with Hart matched up against CJ McCollum became one of the defining elements of the series.

He has continued to thrive as a “do-everything” player in Mike Brown’s system. He regularly fills multiple roles in the same game, operating as a rebounder, secondary playmaker, transition finisher and defensive stopper.

Josh Hart’s achievements with the New York Knicks

Josh Hart’s achievements with the team include franchise records, historic playoff performances and a major role in helping the return to deep postseason contention.

He broke Walt Frazier’s long-standing Knicks franchise record for most triple-doubles in a single season. He recorded nine triple-doubles that year, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1969.

He also made playoff history with the Knicks during the 2025 postseason. In Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, he became the first Knicks player since Walt Frazier in 1972 to record a playoff triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a dominant victory.

Another important achievement has been his role in helping the Knicks consistently return to the playoffs. Since his arrival from the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022-23 season, New York has become one of the Eastern Conference’s toughest and most physical teams.

The Hawks have a chance to be fully healthy for the first time in a long stretch, as Kuminga’s status has been upgraded ahead of their matchup against the Washington Wizards. Kuminga has been dealing with a bone bruise, an injury that sidelined him shortly after the trade and delayed his integration into the lineup.

Kuminga is now listed as questionable against the Wizards, a positive sign that he is nearing a return to the floor. Last week, the Hawks noted that he was progressing well in his recovery from the bone bruise and would be reevaluated in a week, with his status then updated. The organization has remained encouraged by the forward’s steady improvement.

Kuminga was seen knocking down shots during Hawks practice, another promising indication regarding his on-court readiness. Adding Kuminga to the Hawks’ rotation could strengthen their wing depth, and his skill set may create opportunities for the rest of the roster. His ability to attack the paint and get to the rim will be key for the Hawks, whether finishing plays or finding an open teammate.

The moves the Hawks have made

The Hawks recently made a lineup adjustment, inserting CJ McCollum into the starting five alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, while moving Zaccharie Risacher to the bench.

With Risacher operating as a wing, it will be worth monitoring how the Hawks distribute those bench minutes once Kuminga is fully healthy, and whether both forwards can share the court in certain lineups for the rest of the NBA season.

Kuminga numbers

For his career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 278 appearances with the Golden State Warriors. He last played on Jan. 22, when he scored 10 points in nine minutes during the Warriors’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a performance that came shortly before his injury absence.

At the same time, Flagg did not overlook the relationships he built in a short span with veterans such as Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. Following the Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, the rookie addressed the emotional side of the trades and the transition the roster went through.

“It was tough,” Flagg said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best, and I’m just blessed to be here. Moving forward, whoever is out there on the court with me and the rest of the guys, I’m just looking forward to trying to get better and compete at a really high level.”

“We still had some really great guys here,” Flagg added. “Guys like Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and PJ Washington. We had a really bright future, and we could continue to keep competing and getting better every single day.”

Flagg’s production compared to the all-time greats

Based on how Flagg performed over the following weeks, the Mavericks appeared to be in capable hands despite the turbulence. His rapid development made it clear that surrounding him with the right complementary pieces would be critical, especially as he continued to rewrite rookie benchmarks and carve out a historic start to his career.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, Flagg accepted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for January, an honor he had already claimed in December and October/November. Later that night, he led Dallas against the San Antonio Spurs and former Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, finishing with 32 points. According to the NBA, the No. 1 pick out of Duke became the youngest player in league history to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games.

Flagg also became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to record four straight games of at least 30 points and five rebounds. With 151 total points over that stretch, he further joined elite company, becoming the first rookie since Allen Iverson in 1997 to reach 150 points across a four-game span, a sign that Dallas’ bold gamble was already yielding a new cornerstone.

Kuminga’s situation had lingered since the offseason, when no resolution was reached despite clear internal tension. His role became a sensitive issue within the roster, and head coach Steve Kerr faced a difficult balancing act between development and winning, a challenge that ultimately proved unsustainable.

Kerr finally addressed the situation publicly on ESPN, offering a candid assessment of why the relationship reached a breaking point. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes… It was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes. For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”

Kuminga’s departure became inevitable, and Buddy Hield also paid the price in the process, a loss the Warriors are expected to feel. On the other side of the deal, Golden State hoped to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run. He had not played since Jan. 7, but team sources indicated Porzingis was expected to return shortly after joining the Warriors. Golden State sat at 27-24, eighth in the Western Conference at the time.

The other move the Warriors made

The Warriors also traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2026 second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The move left Quentin Post as the primary alternative at center, with veteran Al Horford also available, though his minutes were expected to be managed carefully.

The Warriors’ new plan

Golden State previously explored a potential move for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those talks did not materialize, and the Greek Freak remained with Milwaukee. However, the Warriors were not done planning for the future and already had an offseason strategy in place.

A recent report from The Athletic’s Nick Friedell outlined Golden State’s flexibility once the summer arrived for the NBA. “The good news for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is that roster limits are much looser in the summer,” Friedell wrote. “He could add more money in the short term in an attempt to make a deal happen.”

“Separately, if the Warriors wait until after the draft in June, they could potentially include their 2026 pick and their 2027 first-round picks to give the Bucks more assets in the short term.”

In short, Golden State appeared prepared to join the list of contenders expected to pursue Antetokounmpo in the offseason. For now, the Warriors remained focused on salvaging the current campaign, with Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis positioned as the pillars of their late-season push.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Lakers have listed LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis & right sciatica) and Luka Doncic (left groin soreness) as questionable for tonight’s matchup in Los Angeles.

The Lakers are coming off a surprising loss to the Sacramento Kings, a game in which both James and Doncic played. The Slovenian star had a dominant performance, leading all scorers with 42 points while adding seven rebounds and eight assists. LeBron followed as the team’s second-leading scorer with 22 points.

Tonight marks the second game of a back-to-back. At 41 years old, James has yet to play both ends of a back-to-back this season, as the franchise remains cautious regarding his age and physical workload. That is why it is highly likely that the King will not see action tonight and will take a rest day instead.

As for Doncic, he admitted to feeling discomfort during warmups in Sacramento. “I was really uncertain for the game. Warming up, I felt something,” Doncic told reporters post-game. “So, just trying to get warm… Tomorrow, we will see when I wake up“. A final decision on Doncic’s status is expected closer to tip-off as the team monitors his progress.

Shorthanded Lakers face Hawks

Following a three-game winning streak, the Lakers are looking to return to the win column tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. However, they will be forced to do so with a severely depleted roster, as arguably their three most impactful players—LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves—will not be present at Crypto.com Arena.

With James and Doncic sidelined, the leadership role would typically fall to Reaves; however, the point guard is also out due to a left calf strain. In their absence, Marcus Smart is expected to take over primary ball-handling duties, while young rotation players Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht will have a significant opportunity to prove they can handle increased responsibilities.

According to Underdog NBA, Trae Young is available to play and no longer carries an injury designation on the report. After dealing with a right quad contusion earlier in the week, Young is now expected to suit up without restrictions against the Knicks. The Hawks’ star has appeared in four consecutive games, including a 30-point performance in Friday’s 126–111 loss to the Miami Heat.

The Hawks enter the matchup looking to snap a five-game losing streak. After winning just two of their last 11 games, Young’s likely availability gives Atlanta a much-needed boost on the road against one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference.

Trae Young’s numbers

After posting eight points, 10 assists, and one steal in 20 minutes in his first game back since October 29, Young has steadily returned to form. He has scored at least 22 points in each of his last three games, including two performances with 30 or more points.

Since returning, Young is averaging 23.8 points, 10.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field, 44.8 percent from three-point range, and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line. His offensive rhythm has been a key stabilizer for an Atlanta lineup built around his playmaking.

One of Young’s best performances of the season came in a 152–150 loss to the Chicago Bulls, the highest-scoring game in the NBA this year. He finished that night with 35 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including seven three-pointers, along with nine assists.

Trae Young’s rivalry with the Knicks

Young’s history against the Knicks is well-documented. During the 2019–20 season, he delivered some of his most explosive performances against New York, averaging 44.0 points and 10.6 assists across three games while routinely silencing Madison Square Garden.

That tension carried into the following season, as Young continued to deliver clutch shots and high-level performances whenever the Knicks stood in front of him. His confidence and shot-making repeatedly turned hostile crowds into part of the spectacle.

The rivalry reached its peak during the 2021 NBA postseason, when the Hawks eliminated the Knicks in the first round. In Game 1, Young sealed a 107–105 win with a game-winning floater, finishing with 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.

More recently, he eliminated the Knicks from the 2024 NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden, posting 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, then celebrating at center court by mimicking a dice roll over the Knicks logo, a moment that further cemented the rivalry.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Heat have downgraded Bam Adebayo to doubtful due to lower back soreness. While not yet officially ruled out, the downgrade suggests the three-time All-Star is unlikely to suit up for tonight’s matchup.

The Heat are mired in a mid-season slump, having dropped three straight games and managing just two wins over their last 10 outings. Adebayo’s potential absence headlines a crowded injury report for Miami.

While the star center is doubtful, the team expects some reinforcements as Nikola Jovic (elbow), Pelle Larsson (ankle), and Keshad Johnson (illness) are all listed as probable for the matchup in Atlanta.

However, the Heat remain without their top perimeter threat, Tyler Herro. The All-Star guard has been ruled out for his sixth consecutive game as he continues to recover from a persistent right big toe contusion.

Adebayo facing mid-season struggles

The Heat’s current slide is mirrored by the uncharacteristic struggles of their captain. Bam Adebayo has looked like a shadow of the dominant force the league is accustomed to seeing.

“It sucks,” Adebayo told reporters following a recent loss to the Raptors, per Zachary Weinberger. “But it’s part of the NBA; it’s a long season. So, fighting through whatever I’ve got to fight through, figuring out how I can impact winning, and doing that instead of focusing on shots not falling. Just play basketball and shots will eventually start falling”.

While there is plenty of basketball left to be played, the numbers are concerning. Adebayo is currently on pace for his lowest scoring average since the 2019-20 campaign with 18 points per game and is shooting a career-low 46.6% from the field.

It is critical for the Heat to get Adebayo back to his dominant form. Miami currently sits at 15-15 on the season and is desperate to avoid falling below the .500 mark as they battle to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.