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Cavaliers eye Jonathan Kuminga as backup plan if LeBron leaves

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 3:15 AM

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

Cavaliers eye Jonathan Kuminga as backup plan if LeBron leaves

Summary

The Cleveland Cavaliers have identified Jonathan Kuminga as a potential backup plan should LeBron James sign with another team. According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, Kuminga, an unrestricted free agent, would require a complex sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks due to salary cap constraints. The Cavaliers can’t offer him a contract in line with his asking price of $15-$20 million annually. James remains a priority for Cleveland as he considers his options for the upcoming NBA season. If Kuminga joins, it may not provide the same immediate impact as acquiring James.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cavaliers view Jonathan Kuminga as a backup if LeBron departs.
•Kuminga's contract demands require a sign-and-trade with the Hawks.
•Cleveland faces challenges in facilitating the trade with Atlanta.
•LeBron James's decision significantly affects the Cavaliers' roster strategy.
•Kenny Atkinson's history with Kuminga may influence Cleveland's interest.

Latest Updates

3:15 AMYahoo Sports — Cavaliers’ LeBron James Plan B Comes With Major Catch: Insider

What they're saying

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The Cavaliers’ Plan B if LeBron James signs elsewhere has been revealed, but acquiring him would require a complicated deal. The post Cavaliers’ LeBron James Plan B Comes With Major Catch: Insider appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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