Jonathan Kuminga is suddenly an exciting buy-low candidate for the Jazz

The J-Notes · Jul 21, 2026 21:46 · 3 min read

Jonathan Kuminga is suddenly an exciting buy-low candidate for the Jazz — Feb 26, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) reacts after making a three point shot against the Washington Wizards during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Utah Jazz don't have to add anyone else this summer, but if they're looking for productive players for cheap, Jonathan Kuminga might be the perfect addition for them in that specific instance.

Two years ago, the Utah Jazz had the chance to get Jonathan Kuminga when Golden State inquired about Lauri Markkanen, but they passed. Keep the context in mind here: they didn't say no to Kuminga, but rather turned down the chance to get him in exchange for an All-Star in his prime, which time has proven was the right move.

This time, it's different. Kuminga is currently a free agent who's running low on options. He's still good enough to play in the NBA, but his suitors are dropping like flies, plus everyone is awaiting what LeBron James will do before the other dominoes fall. This would be the perfect time for Utah to take a flyer on Kuminga if he's there for the taking.

The days of believing Kuminga is a future star are dwindling fast. The time to believe he just needs the right system to make it work is expiring because hardly anything changed when Atlanta acquired him. However, there's still time to turn him into something worthwhile, and he'd have plenty of motivation to prove himself on a buy-low, team-friendly deal.

Kuminga is inconsistent despite his physical talent, but when he's on his game, he's proven he's a difference-maker in the playoffs. He played a vital role in how Atlanta went up 2-1 in their series against New York (by extension, his no-show the next three games factored into how the Knicks came back).

So while it's not like Utah would be adding a star in the making with Kuminga, they would add someone who can make a difference in a playoff series against teams good enough to win the title. Not to mention, an NBA Champion.

Jazz have 15 players, but can easily cut down

With the signing of Mo Bamba, Utah now has 15 players on their roster, though Bamba's deal is team-friendly as it's only partially guaranteed. Kuminga's addition would likely signal Bamba wouldn't be sicking around, but that's a possibility regardless of whether he would come to Utah or not.

The Jazz may look into making some trades to raise their ceiling a bit, which is why someone like Daniel Gafford has emerged as a potential (unconfirmed) trade target. The Jazz would also have to figure out how to work their wing rotation, which could get wonky if the plan is to start Lauri Markkanen at the 3.

It would definitely make Utah's roster unorthodox, but with what Kuminga brings to the table, he might just be able to push the team even further than they hope to. It would make more sense if some trades happen first for him to make a little more sense, but this is a rare opportunity on the Jazz's hands.

Utah has taken advantage of their previous golden opportunities (see under Jackson Jr., Jaren, and Kessler, Walker). While Kuminga isn't a generational player, adding him to their playoff team for dirt cheap would be a better opportunity than you would think.