Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 Million Problem and Why Atlanta Is Already Done With Him

Alright, Hawks fans, if you thought last summer was wild for Jonathan Kuminga, buckle up. It looks like the Atlanta front office is staring down a massive contract decision, and The Athletic's John Hollinger is dropping some seriously spicy predictions. Get ready, because it sounds like the Hawks are probably going to cut ties with Kuminga, all thanks to a cool $24.3 million. Yeah, you read that right.

The Big $24.3 Million Question

So, here's the deal: when the Atlanta Hawks snagged Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors, they knew this day was coming. Kuminga has a team option on his current contract, meaning the Hawks get to decide if he plays for them in the 2026-27 season. If they say "yes," he's on the books for $24.3 million. If they say "no," he's a free agent, back on the market, and scrambling for a deal just like last summer, which Hollinger described as a "dicey offseason" to come to an agreement with the Warriors. Hollinger's take? He predicts Atlanta is going to decline that option. Ouch.

"What is Jonathan Kuminga actually worth?"

Hollinger is straight up asking the question we've all wondered: "'What is Jonathan Kuminga actually worth?' debate enters Year Five!" The guy has undeniable natural talent, we've all seen flashes, but NBA consistency? That's been the struggle. Even with the Hawks, he'd pop off with "multiple big moments and impressive games," but then he just "didn't put it all together." He was a "bench scorer" for them "last spring," a "high-end reserve" at best, especially since Atlanta has other players who demand the ball a ton. The BORD$ valuation system pegs Kuminga at $9.4 million, which is "well short of the contract dollars" for that $24.3 million option. That's a huge gap folks.

The Hawks Have Options, But It's Looking Bleak

Hollinger brings up one possibility: maybe the Hawks pick up the option just to use Kuminga's contract as trade bait. It's a smart play in theory. But Hollinger quickly pivots, saying it's "more likely that they decline it and either re-up at a lower number or move on." This isn't just about money, it's about fit and potential. Atlanta could keep him for another year, hoping he develops, but it sounds like they might have "seen enough" of the inconsistency. It's tough to justify that much cash for a "bench spark" who hasn't quite gelled with the rest of the squad. What's next for Kuminga is another uncertain offseason, and for the Hawks, it's a decision that will redefine their bench for next season. Get ready for some fireworks, one way or another.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.