Hawks’ Jonathan Kuminga won’t like insider’s bold prediction on contract option

After a largely frustrating five-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga was rejuvenated when he was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks in a midseason trade. He badly needed a restart, and he swiftly found it with the Hawks.

In 16 games in Atlanta, he averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, helping the team snag the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. While the Hawks lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, it was clear that Kuminga found a new home.

Or did he?

The Athletic’s John Hollinger posited that the 23-year-old forward, who has a team option worth $24.3 million, could be with a different team by next season.

“BORD$ still values him as a high-end reserve, with his $9.4 million valuation falling well short of the contract dollars,” said Hollinger, referring to his valuation system.

“I could see the Hawks picking up the option to use his contract in a trade, but it’s more likely that they decline it and either re-up at a lower number or move on.”

Kuminga was a good fit for the Hawks, joining the young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu. He provided instant scoring off the bench with his athleticism and motor.

He should only get better if he continues to learn under coach Quin Snyder.

But it looks like that is a big if.

Kuminga will likely attract plenty of attention if the Hawks decline his team option and he becomes a free agent.

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