2026-27 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

yeah I went over this a few pages back. The NG means you have to waive them, exposing them to being picked up on the undesirable contract and temporarily losing bird rights.

 

Correct. But again, unless I'm missing something (and that's possible, this new cba is the worst thing that happened to the NBA and anyone interested in how s*** works) that still essentially can make it a one year deal?

If year two is not guaranteed and we waive him, he hits the market and can try again at getting $20m+ (fire up Morgan Freeman Dark Knight "good luck" gif).

I've always looked at this path with him as a rental and a stop gap. Then we use the NTPMLE (that we're trying to line up) next summer for the actual longer term piece. I don't have any interest in being in the Kuminga and Kuminga camp business long term. It's a temporary marriage of convenience.

We don't have a starting PF and we have have one. If you're using up assets to get them, that sucks but when the alternative is not taking this season seriously... that's the corner you're in with the other moves you've made. Still has to be done. And if you manage to shed Vando in the process, that alone is worth burning through those 2nd rounders.

 

thybulle signing hasn't been finalized yet?

 

This. Kuminga is not the cleanest fit, but he is a guy that could play the 4, catch some lobs, maybe hit some threes and defend a bit. Rebound decently. Ceiling is he accepts a role, but I wouldn't hold my breath. But exactly what you said, he would be a stop gap.

Lakers might be saying, sure we will pay you 3 years starting at 20 million per year, but only the first year will be guaranteed. Either that or accept 3 years / 45 million with a player option after the 2nd season. The latter would be more easily movable if he didn't wokr out.