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NBA·ANALYSIS·July 26, 2026 07:02 PM ET

Kuminga's contract bind stalls market; Heat prioritize Thompson

Dallas owes Thompson $17.5 million in the deal's final year.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 261 min read
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What happened: Keith Smith said reported offers for Jonathan Kuminga include less than $8 million from Cleveland and two years, $20 million from Los Angeles. Barry Jackson reported Miami is also maintaining contact with DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal.

Why it matters: A sign-and-trade requires a three-year contract, conflicting with Kuminga's preference for a one-year deal if he accepts a lower salary. Dallas faces no financial pressure to release Thompson, making a trade or substantial buyout concession the likelier path to Miami.

By the numbers: Atlanta declined Kuminga's $24.3 million option, while the Lakers' reported offer averages $10 million annually. Jarred Vanderbilt earns $12.4 million this season and holds a $13.3 million player option for 2027-28.

What to watch: Watch whether Kuminga accepts a short contract or agrees to the three-year structure needed for a sign-and-trade. Miami's next move hinges on whether Dallas trades Thompson or negotiates a buyout.

Sources

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NBAAnalysisAtlanta HawksCleveland CavaliersLos Angeles LakersJonathan KumingaKlay Thompson
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