The Atlanta Hawks have signalled Jonathan Kuminga's exit from the team despite the young forward still being unsigned in free agency, and only six months after he was acquired in a notable trade with the Golden State Warriors.
The Hawks announced on Monday that the recently acquired Lu Dort will wear the No. 0 that Kuminga wore at the end of last season, seemingly clarifying that they're moving on from the 23-year-old after only 22 combined regular season and playoff games with the team.
Hawks clarify Jonathan Kuminga stance with Lu Dort announcement
There had been reports that Atlanta were open to bringing Kuminga back into the fold, but this Dort announcement would seem to confirm they're moving on from the former Warrior after sending out Kristaps Porzingis for he and veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield in February.
Despite a couple of big performances in the playoffs against the eventual champion New York Knicks, the Hawks did signal their openess to moving on from Kuminga after they declined his $24.3 million team option for next season.
Atlanta acquired Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder last month after declining Kuminga's team option, sending out former number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade that also landed them young point guard Ryan Nembhard.
Luguentz Dort (@luthebeast) will wear No. 0 for the #Hawks. Number last worn by Jonathan Kuminga in 2026. #NBA pic.twitter.com/YDxBAirmXb
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) August 10, 2026
A year after going through a long and highly publicized restricted free agency with Golden State, Kuminga has again remained patient as an unrestricted free agent this time around. The former seventh overall pick is still hoping for something around $20 million per year on his next contract, but a lack of cap space around the league is once again stalling his efforts and forcing sign-and-trade discussions where the Hawks need to be appeased.
Lakers and Cavaliers still leading suitors for Jonathan Kuminga
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers still appear to be at the top of chasing suitors for Kuminga, but the near six-week delay would suggest they're not willing, or aren't able to give up what the Hawks would want in a sign-and-trade.
It leaves the prospect of Kuminga potentially needing to take a one-year prove it deal perhaps at the minimum, as was recently proposed by ESPN's front office insider Bobby Marks. It would allow Kuminga to re-enter free agency again next summer where more teams project to have cap space.
The Hawks did fully guarantee Hield's $9.7 million contract in the hopes of a trade further down the line, while the Warriors extended Porzingis on a two-year, $40 million contract where only $3 million is guaranteed in the second year.
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