DeMar DeRozan, Jonathan Kuminga, and the Free Agency Moves Still Up in the Air
Two of the most talked-about names in the market remain unsigned as August begins, with Cleveland at the center of both conversations.
Editor's note: unlike other articles in this weekly coverage, this piece gathers unconfirmed market rumors and ongoing negotiations. Nothing described here should be read as a done deal unless explicitly stated. DeMar DeRozan, a 17-year NBA veteran, was waived by the Sacramento Kings a little over three weeks ago and has since been viewed league-wide as a low-cost target. Jonathan Kuminga, 23, is an unrestricted free agent after Atlanta Hawks declined his contract option.
Cleveland's name has come up in both DeRozan's and Kuminga's markets.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are actively exploring signing both DeRozan and Kuminga, according to market reports from Yardbarker and RealGM, though neither deal is close to done.
DeMar DeRozan's Situation
According to Yardbarker and RealGM, the Cleveland Cavaliers are actively exploring bringing in DeRozan, partly due to his close relationship with James Harden, dating back nearly 15 years to when both came up through Southern California's streetball scene.
DeRozan has also been linked to the Miami Heat, where there's reportedly mutual interest, though the Heat's primary focus is Klay Thompson, now with Dallas. The Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors have also been mentioned in various reports, though with less intensity.
Jonathan Kuminga's Stalled Market
After being traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the Kristaps Porzingis package, Kuminga saw Atlanta decline his $24.3 million player option for 2026-27, making him an unrestricted free agent.
According to Hoops Rumors, Kuminga is seeking a multi-year deal in the $15-20 million annual range, a figure that hasn't yet matched available offers. The Cavaliers have reportedly offered the remainder of their mid-level exception, just under $8 million, while the Lakers have reportedly proposed a two-year, $20 million total deal.
Why Cleveland Comes Up in Both Conversations
Cleveland's simultaneous interest in DeRozan and Kuminga, alongside already-confirmed moves like the Mario Hezonja signing, suggests the franchise is looking to aggressively reinforce its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season. Cleveland enters this market with the advantage of already having James Harden on its roster following the trade that brought him from the Los Angeles Clippers in February.
The Obstacles in Each Negotiation
In DeRozan's case, since he's a player without a contract, any interested team can sign him directly without giving up assets. Kuminga's case is more complex: since it would require a sign-and-trade with Atlanta, any deal needs the buy-in of a third franchise that hasn't yet been matched by either interested team's offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DeMar DeRozan without a team?
DeRozan was waived by the Sacramento Kings a little over three weeks ago and has since been a free agent, viewed around the league as a low-cost target for teams seeking veteran depth.
Why is Jonathan Kuminga an unrestricted free agent?
Kuminga was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. Atlanta later declined his $24.3 million player option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Have the Cavaliers signed DeRozan or Kuminga yet?
No. As of this writing, neither negotiation has produced an official announcement from the franchises involved; both remain open.
What does Kuminga want in a new contract?
According to Hoops Rumors, he's seeking a multi-year deal in the $15-20 million annual range, above the current offers from the Cavaliers and Lakers.
What's Confirmed and What Isn't
- Confirmed: DeRozan was waived by the Sacramento Kings and is a free agent without a team.
- Confirmed: Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million option.
- Reported, not confirmed: The Cleveland Cavaliers' interest in signing both DeRozan and Kuminga. This comes from market sources cited by specialized outlets, not official franchise statements.
- Reported, not confirmed: The specific figures of the Cavaliers' and Lakers' offers to Kuminga, as well as the mutual interest between DeRozan and Miami Heat.
