Jonathan Kuminga Talks Potential Hawks Contract Extension amid Rumors of 'Mutual Interest' in Deal

Now settled in with the Atlanta Hawks, Jonathan Kuminga is eyeing his long-term future with the team.

Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Hawks and Kuminga have "mutual interest" in declining Kuminga's 2026-27 team option and instead focusing on an extension. Kuminga said that his "goal" is to help Atlanta become a consistent contender.

"That's the goal," Kuminga said. "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."

After an offseason of back and forth, Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Golden State Warriors that includes a $24.3 million team option for next season. At the time of that signing, Kuminga was a restricted free agent, and the expectation was that he wouldn't stick around with the Warriors long term.

Circumstances are different in Atlanta, though, as Kuminga could be a key part of the team's future.

While it's still early, the addition of Kuminga has helped spark new life in the Hawks after they struggled through the first half of the season. After starting the year 28-31, Atlanta has won 11 games in a row, most by double digits. The Hawks are now in eighth place in the East and appear on their way to at least making the play-in tournament.

Kuminga has played just six games in Atlanta as he battles a lingering knee injury, but he showed flashes of what's to come when he dropped 27 points in a win over the Washington Wizards last month.

Kuminga is also just 23 years old and was given a limited run way with the Warriors. As a key contributor in Atlanta, he could very well turn into an All-Star caliber player. Giving him an extension this offseason would be betting on not just who Kuminga is now, but what he could be in the future.