Cavs predicted to trade for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, athletic wing to pair with James Harden

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Cavs predicted to trade for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, athletic wing to pair with James Harden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of several teams that pursued LeBron James in free agency, but he ultimately chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. That decision left Cleveland still searching for a long-term answer at the wing position.

Jonathan Kuminga has been a player of interest for quite some time, but his contract demands have complicated negotiations.

“Jonathan Kuminga is demanding a salary in free agency exceeding $20 million annually, per The Athletic. Kuminga prefers a sign-and-trade from the Hawks over leaving outright, simply due to the added financial implications. The Cavaliers and Lakers are the finalists for Kuminga,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Cavaliers have shown just how serious they are about landing Kuminga by reportedly meeting with him in hopes of finding common ground on a contract.

“The Cavaliers will meet with Jonathan Kuminga about working towards finalizing a potential sign-and-trade agreement soon, per Chris Fedor. Cleveland is a main finalist for Kuminga's services alongside the Lakers. Kuminga continues to seek a deal exceeding $20 million annually," Sidery wrote.

Cleveland is trying to put together a stronger offer than the Los Angeles Lakers can. SI’s Davion Moore believes the Cavaliers will ultimately land Kuminga.

“Kuminga is one of the bigger names left in free agency, and during this time, two teams have come up. The Cavaliers are interested, and the Los Angeles Lakers are still in the running. Kuminga last played for the Atlanta Hawks, and they acquired him in a deal with the Golden State Warriors. Golden State received Kristaps Porziņģis, and Atlanta received Kuminga and Buddy Hield. Kuminga could help the Cavs, and at 23 years old, he still has room to grow. Cleveland is a good fit, and if the franchise can pull off a sign-and-trade, the Cavaliers will have a new wing,” Moore wrote.

At the moment, the Cavaliers appear to have the edge over the Lakers because they have more assets to offer in a potential sign-and-trade. However, that could change if Los Angeles decides to improve its offer. Atlanta's overcrowded roster has also complicated negotiations for both teams.

Kuminga played last season on a $46 million contract. His current contract demands remain the biggest obstacle as both teams continue searching for a way to complete a deal. Assuming Cleveland re-signs James Harden, Kuminga would have an opportunity to thrive alongside one of the NBA's top playmakers.

More NBA news:

• Heat predicted to sign $73M Future Hall of Famer to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo​

• Lakers, Cavaliers get major update on ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga from Shams​

• Warriors predicted to sign $73M six-time All-Star, future Hall of Famer to pair with Steph Curry​

• Nuggets' Peyton Watson gets underwhelming $18M contract update amid ongoing frustration​

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