The Atlanta Hawks didn’t just stumble into a first-round playoff series win over the New York Knicks. They rode a second-half surge that turned heads around the league, and one of the biggest reasons for that late-season momentum was Jonathan Kuminga. Now, with a $24.3 million team option sitting on the books for the 2026-27 season, the front office faces a decision that could shape the roster for years.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks have done their homework — checking in on Kuminga’s trade value ahead of the draft — but a return to Atlanta is still very much on the table. That might surprise some folks given the numbers. But the reality is more complicated than a simple yes or no on the option.
The Numbers Game
Kuminga put up 40 combined points in two playoff wins against the Knicks. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed. But $24.3 million is a big chunk of change for a team that also wants to re-sign CJ McCollum for around $20 million average annual value and address guard depth — a stated priority this offseason.
The Hawks could pick up the option and keep Kuminga’s cap hit on the books. That would lock in his salary but could limit flexibility in free agency. Or they could decline the option and try to negotiate a longer-term deal at a lower annual figure — a path that would ease their cap situation while keeping a 23-year-old forward who was central to their late-season success.
What Makes the Most Sense?
If the Hawks want Kuminga back — and all signs suggest they do — the smarter play might be the longer deal. Locking him in at a lower average salary could free up room to chase other pieces, especially with the No. 8 pick in the draft likely used on a guard. The team has also been linked to backcourt help on the market, so every dollar matters.
Of course, there’s a third path: move on entirely. Atlanta could decline the option, let Kuminga walk, and use that cap space to pursue a different player. That would be a cold-blooded move for a guy who helped them win in the playoffs, but the NBA is a business. The Hawks haven’t tipped their hand publicly, and the team has not confirmed any firm plans regarding the option.
The Bigger Picture
Kuminga isn’t the only question mark in Atlanta. The Hawks have multiple roster decisions to juggle this summer, and every choice creates a ripple effect. Guard depth, the draft, McCollum’s new deal — it all ties together. How they handle Kuminga’s option will signal whether they’re building around the current core or keeping powder dry for a bigger swing.
Either way, the clock is ticking. The draft is coming, free agency follows, and Kuminga’s $24.3 million question isn’t going away.
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