The four teams most frequently linked to free agent Jonathan Kuminga have been the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Things have gone quiet as of late, but the Cavaliers appear to be the leading suitor, as The Athletic's Dan Woike (subscription required) says that the Cavs are the main team connected to him, with LA's interest recently stalling.
Kuminga suitors all in different positions
Los Angeles seemed to be the top suitor for Kuminga, but Woike notes that things have been put on pause for a while now, as the Lakers don't want to give up significant draft capital for him. The Hawks, the team Kuminga played for last season, are likely fine parting with the forward in a sign-and-trade after they acquired Lu Dort from the OKC Thunder. That leaves the Bucks and Cavaliers.
It's unclear just how interested the Milwaukee Bucks are in Kuminga. Marc Stein previously reported that they were looking into the young forward, but that was on July 2. Since then, things have largely been quiet on that front, with not many reports connecting the Bucks to him. They very well could've checked in and then decided to hold off. They could also be waiting on him to choose them.
The Lakers obviously face financial constraints but league sources say they continue to explore the feasibility of adding Jonathan Kuminga to fill a wing need.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2026
Cleveland and Milwaukee have also expressed Kuminga interest and a return to Atlanta has not been ruled out. pic.twitter.com/at1Q99RgCb
No matter the case, if the Milwaukee Bucks want Kuminga, it sounds like they will have to make a stronger push than the Cavaliers currently are.
There is a bigger fish to fry for the Bucks
Perhaps one of the reasons Milwaukee hasn't been linked to Kuminga heavily in recent weeks is their rumored interest in Peyton Watson. Multiple outlets have mentioned that the Bucks are among many teams looking to acquire the forward in a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets. While Kuminga would be a good get, there is no denying that Watson would be a more rousing pickup.
Either way, the Milwaukee Bucks could use another forward to put the finishing touches on the roster. Perhaps right now they are waiting to see how things play out with Watson. If he returns to Denver or heads elsewhere, it wouldn't be surprising to see them ramp up their Kuminga pursuit. If they have an actual shot to snag him from Denver, maybe they put all of their attention on him and forget Kuminga.
There is no telling where things stand between Jonathan Kuminga and the Bucks. For now, the Cavs appear to be in the driver's seat to acquire him. Time will tell, as the Bucks lurk.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks anlysis.
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