The Atlanta Hawks and Jonathan Kuminga are exploring a long-term contract extension, with league sources indicating mutual interest in the club declining its 2026-27 team option valued at $24.3 million to negotiate a lengthier deal. Kuminga, who acquired from the Golden State Warriors at the February trade deadline, has embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.
“That’s the goal,” Kuminga told The Athletic. “That’s what we’re trying to do here, what we’re trying to stamp here as a group. We talk about it every day. It starts now. We’re not waiting until next year.”
Kuminga has averaged 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game across six appearances with Atlanta, all victories. The Hawks have won a league-best 11 consecutive games and are mounting a serious push for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Johnson offered an early assessment of his new teammate Kuminga’s mindset.
“His mindset, JK’s just like a dog ready to be unleashed,” Johnson said. “You can tell, just how he’s working out, how he’s approaching his days. He’s ready to go. He’s ready to do what it takes to win. And show the rest of the world that.”
A key factor in Kuminga’s comfort in Atlanta is his existing relationship with Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh, who previously worked alongside the 23-year-old in Golden State. Saleh regularly supported Kuminga during his early Warriors years, including managing visa logistics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would go in the front office and mess with him,” Kuminga said of Saleh. “He was somebody that you could really sit down and communicate with.”
Kuminga was acquired alongside Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. Atlanta hosts Golden State on Saturday in the first return game between the two sides since the trade following a contentions restricted free agency and trade request.