According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are looking to ship Schroder out of town. They are more interested in bringing in either Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga, which would fit more of a need than the backup point guard spot.

“The Cavs continue to discuss various trade packages involving Schroder, seeing if there is an opportunity to slightly reconfigure the roster or gain financial flexibility, which would help their pursuit of free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson,” Fedor wrote.

Cavaliers taking serious approach

The Cavaliers still have that chip on their shoulder and recognize they can offer much more and re-establish themselves as a contender with the roster they have. That is the main reason why James Harden still has not signed an extension.

Harden is willing to help the Cavs out so that they have enough money to bring in another guy. However, that likely won’t be enough. Cleveland might also have to make a trade in order to free up some money to bring in one of two forwards that they have on their minds.

Cleveland has very little cap flexibility at the moment to add another player. Anyone they add would push them closer to the second apron, which is where they finished a year ago. Doing the same now would be a big issue, as then the Cavaliers would face restrictions.

The situation with Kuminga and Watson

Kuminga has reportedly not been willing to sign a minimum contract. Several teams around the league have been trying to sign him to such a deal. Watson is still in a stalemate of restricted free agency with the Nuggets. Both of them would be hard to fit into the current cap structure without making some sort of trade.

According to Jake Weinbach, the Cavaliers are interested following reports that Washington is available on the market. “Cavaliers would be a team worth monitoring for PJ Washington with the Mavericks forward reportedly available on the trade market. Cleveland’s interest level may depend on how the rest of free agency plays out, but Washington’s two-way skill set would be a desirable fit,” Weinbach stated.

Washington could serve as a strong target for the Cavaliers after missing out on LeBron James. However, potential roster shifts could unfold across the league, with rumors also pointing to a possible departure for Klay Thompson amid interest from the Miami Heat.

Washington could be out of Dallas’ future plans

The Dallas Mavericks intend to go all-in on the Cooper Flagg era and seem to want to move on from a couple of veteran contracts from the previous group to focus on a new, renewed roster.

The team has also loaded up with players who accomplish similar things, adding Morez Johnson Jr., Zaccharie Risacher, and Santi Aldama while recently extending Naji Marshall.

The franchise wanting to get off that money and open up minutes could help the Cavaliers get a player that checks their boxes at a good price. Last season, Washington put up 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 45.0/32.5/68.7 shooting splits.

He was a little bit better from three than the season before at 38.1% on a similar output. Now seven years into his NBA career, he has remained fairly consistent. He can rebound, is active on defense, and spaces the floor a little bit at forward.

O’Neal made some interesting comments when that report was brought up on the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. During the conversation, Adam Lefkoe mentioned hearing about the possibility of LeBron joining Cleveland and bringing Kyrie Irving along, but Shaq offered a blunt response.

“Kyrie ain’t letting that happen,” O’Neal said. Iman Shumpert, who played with both stars on the Cavaliers and was present on the podcast, pointed out that Irving could not really have stopped this from happening, as the Mavericks could trade him without his consent. The 34-year-old does not have a no-trade clause that would allow him to control where he goes.

Shaq’s point

O’Neal’s primary point, though, is that Irving does not want to team up with James again. That is quite interesting. Irving and James previously had been teammates on the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2017. They won a championship together in 2016 by stunningly overturning a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors would win the rematch against the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals, and that was the last time we saw the duo together. Irving asked out during the 2017 offseason, reportedly because he no longer wanted to play a secondary role behind James. The Cavaliers would then trade him to the Boston Celtics to end what had been an incredibly successful partnership.

The reason why a James-Irving reunion on the Cavaliers was highly unlikely was that the Mavericks did not want to trade him. The nine-time All-Star, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, was not going to push for a move, either, as he is comfortable with his situation.

Past rumors of Irving pursuing James

It should not be forgotten that Irving reportedly pushed for the Mavericks to acquire James in 2023. He was even said to have tried to persuade his former teammate to join him in Dallas. It was not to be, though.

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also recently expressed interest in Kuminga, per HoopsHype, but operate under financial restrictions of their own. The Timberwolves have access to a $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception, but the Lakers have a higher financial offer and a longer contract on the table.

Minnesota missed out on LeBron James and still has the power forward slot open for a player of Kuminga’s caliber, a situation similar to what the Cavaliers are facing. This means that despite potentially offering the better basketball fit, the other two teams are understood to be ahead, which could prompt the Wolves to make a greater push. Furthermore, Minnesota presents an intriguing project alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

Kuminga entangled in controversy

Kuminga‘s path in the NBA has not been smooth. Kuminga arrived at the Atlanta Hawks after being traded alongside Buddy Hield by the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

He signed a two-year, $46 million deal with the Warriors at the end of last season after holding out for a number of weeks. A similar situation has arisen this time around, with Kuminga understood to be unwilling to commit long-term on a deal that he deems less than what he is worth.

While he initially demanded a contract worth $20 million annually, he is also reportedly unwilling to sign a three-year deal, which is a required condition for any sign-and-trade agreement under NBA rules. This further complicates matters for the Cavaliers, who need a sign-and-trade to complete the acquisition.

On the other hand, Kuminga reportedly turned down a two-year, $20 million offer from the Lakers, which still leaves them as the most likely destination of the three. This is because the Timberwolves cannot offer that same amount, and Kuminga’s camp is understood to be remaining patient as they wait for further movement in the free-agent market.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers will meet with Kuminga about working toward finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon. Cleveland stands as a main finalist for Kuminga’s services alongside the Lakers, maintaining the same trend seen so far.

However, the main issue remains Kuminga’s expectations. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually. Contract length has become the primary obstacle in Kuminga’s NBA market. A sign-and-trade requires a three-year deal under the collective bargaining agreement, but Kuminga’s position is that he will take less than his asking price only on a one-year contract.

Kuminga’s situation

Cleveland sits roughly $25.3 million under the first apron and just under $38 million under the second. The Cavaliers can start Kuminga at $6.1 million on the taxpayer mid-level exception, for $12.4 million over two years. Using the exception hard-caps Cleveland at the second apron. Max Strus is owed $16 million this season and Dennis Schroder $14.7 million, with both contracts set to expire next summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers face complications in their path to completing a sign-and-trade for Kuminga. The Atlanta Hawks have been reluctant to take back Jarred Vanderbilt in a sign-and-trade, which could mean a third team is needed.

Atlanta declined Kuminga‘s $24.3 million option in June. He has been an unrestricted free agent since, marking the first time in his career he has reached the open market.

A bonus for the Cavs is that Cleveland appeals to Kuminga. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson was Steve Kerr’s lead assistant in Golden State for Kuminga’s first three seasons. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, is from Northeast Ohio, and Kuminga spent part of the 2025 offseason training in Cleveland. “Jonathan likes the Cavs, likes (coach) Kenny Atkinson, and (star) Donovan Mitchell likes him,” Turner told The Athletic last week.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Heat, Nuggets, and Cavs are among the teams eyeing DeRozan’s services. “I’m told Miami, Denver and Cleveland are among the teams interested in DeMar DeRozan,” Charania reported during a Monday appearance on NBA Today.

DeRozan became a free agent after he was waived by the Sacramento Kings on July 6. The 36-year-old started 77 games for Sacramento last season, averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 assists to go along with 2.9 rebounds per game. He shot 49.7 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from three-point territory.

DeRozan’s outlook

Despite finishing with a mere 22-60 record with the Kings—who owned a better net rating with DeRozan off the floor compared to having him on the court—the veteran scorer remains an intriguing option. While the six-time All-Star’s days as one of the top scorers on a playoff contender are likely in the rearview mirror, he could contribute as a complementary offensive option moving forward.

Cleveland is searching for more scoring from its wings after coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Cavs are looking to add to their core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, which is where their interest in Kuminga also fits in.

The fit for the Heat and Nuggets

Miami has been busy this offseason, acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on June 22. As the Heat look to climb up the Eastern Conference standings led by Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, the team could bring in an experienced veteran such as DeRozan.

On the other hand, the Nuggets are attempting to bounce back from a first-round playoff loss this year, representing their earliest postseason exit since 2022. While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray will continue to lead Denver’s starting lineup, DeRozan might accept a depth role with the team. The Nuggets only ranked No. 20 in the NBA in bench scoring last season, an area the squad must improve at all costs.

“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.

According to ClutchPoints‘ Brett Siegel, the Lakers now stand as the sole remaining suitor for the young forward. While the Cavaliers theoretically remain in the hunt, Hezonja’s arrival fills a key wing spot and consumes some cap space.

Siegel anticipates a sign-and-trade between the Lakers and the Hawks involving Jarred Vanderbilt to secure Kuminga, giving Los Angeles a clearer path to the 23-year-old. However, Joe Vardon of The Athletic previously reported mutual interest between Cleveland and Kuminga, suggesting a deal with Los Angeles is far from certain.

Potential candidate in pursuit of Kuminga

While primary attention remains on the Cavaliers and Lakers, Jake Weinbach—who also views the Lakers as clear candidates and the Cavs as clear pursuers—noted that another team could enter the mix. “The Bucks shouldn’t be ruled out as a potential sign-and-trade destination, either,” Weinbach stated.

Mutual interest between Kuminga and Cavaliers

Kuminga is reportedly interested in playing for Cleveland and reuniting with Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, who previously worked with him as an assistant on Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors staff.

“Jonathan likes the Cavs, likes Kenny Atkinson, and Donovan Mitchell likes him,” Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, told Vardon. Kuminga also spent part of the 2025 offseason training in Cleveland, while Turner is from Northeast Ohio, providing further connections between the player and the organization.

Kuminga is seeking a contract worth approximately $20 million to $23 million annually, close to the value of the option Atlanta declined. Neither Cleveland nor Los Angeles can offer him that salary outright, making the Hawks’ cooperation necessary.

Two of the biggest losers in the LeBron sweepstakes were the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both franchises had been widely linked to James, believing they had a legitimate chance to land one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Now, according to a new report, Warriors and Cavs are already moving on to Plan B as they continue searching for reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 season. A possible name is looming.

Warriors and Cavaliers reportedly targeting Mario Hezonja

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, both Golden State and Cleveland have shown interest in Mario Hezonja after missing out on LeBron. “Another player getting interest with Cleveland and Golden State as well is Mario Hezonja.”

Who is Mario Hezonja?

Mario Hezonja was selected by the Orlando Magic with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft but never fully lived up to expectations during his first stint in the league.

Since returning to Europe, however, the Croatian forward has developed into one of the EuroLeague’s most consistent players while starring for Real Madrid. Now, he is reportedly considering another opportunity in the NBA.

For the Warriors, adding Hezonja would provide additional depth while Jimmy Butler continues recovering from injury and the team searches for ways to remain competitive alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

For Cleveland, Hezonja represents another experienced option as the Cavaliers look to strengthen a roster already featuring Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley after missing out on the chance to reunite with LeBron James.

For weeks, multiple contenders believed they had a realistic chance to land the four-time NBA champion. Now that James has chosen Philadelphia, those organizations are being forced to pivot toward other high-profile free agents before the market becomes even more competitive.

One player expected to benefit from that domino effect is Jonathan Kuminga, who has suddenly emerged as one of the most intriguing names available to make a big splash.

Cavaliers reportedly interested in Jonathan Kuminga

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers could shift their focus to Jonathan Kuminga after missing out on LeBron James. “You’re going to look at names like Jonathan Kuminga in play with the Cavaliers. They were banking on potentially getting LeBron James.”

LeBron’s decision has significantly changed the landscape of the Eastern Conference. With the 76ers adding James, the Knicks remaining among the conference’s top contenders, and the Miami Heat continuing to strengthen their roster, the Cavaliers can no longer afford to wait if they hope to keep pace in the title race.

That is where Kuminga could become a priority. The talented forward entered free agency after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option, making him one of the biggest available names on the market.

If the Cavs succeed in signing Kuminga, it would immediately soften the disappointment of missing out on LeBron while adding another young, athletic piece capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.

After James decided to sign with Philadelphia, the Cavaliers may try to pivot toward acquiring Kuminga, who is familiar with head coach Kenny Atkinson from their time together in Golden State when Atkinson served as Steve Kerr’s top assistant.

According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, the Cavaliers have been in communication with the 23-year-old forward and his Cleveland-based agent, Aaron Turner, throughout free agency. “Jonathan likes the Cavs, likes (coach) Kenny Atkinson, and (star) Donovan Mitchell likes him,” Turner told The Athletic in a brief interview. Turner added that his client is a fan of the city overall and spent a couple of months training in Cleveland during the 2025 NBA offseason.

How the Cavaliers will get him

While the Cavaliers have some bigger names on their radar that have yet to surface publicly, Kuminga has clearly been among their known targets for weeks. The primary question remains how Cleveland secures him. Vardon reports that Kuminga is seeking somewhere between $20 million and $23 million annually, which would likely require a sign-and-trade with the Hawks.

The Cavaliers could offer considerably less using their taxpayer mid-level exception, but Kuminga is looking for a larger contract. A sign-and-trade would therefore require Atlanta’s cooperation and almost certainly some roster maneuvering from Cleveland.

Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have been mentioned as potential trade candidates, though there is no indication that either player is definitely headed out.

Meanwhile, James Harden’s expected return remains another key piece of Cleveland‘s offseason puzzle. While hurdles exist, the interest in Kuminga is real and mutual. More importantly for the Cavaliers, the team can finally start acting on it now that the month-long wait for LeBron James is officially over.