Reunion talks between the Atlanta Hawks and Jonathan Kuminga continue to gain momentum as the offseason approaches. While much of the attention surrounding Atlanta has focused on the 2026 NBA Draft and potential trade scenarios, recent reporting suggests there is still a strong possibility that Kuminga will remain with the organization.
Hawks Reunion Could Be 1 Perfect Offseason Priority
According to HoopsHype senior NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Hawks have been gauging Kuminga’s value on the trade market ahead of the draft. However, Scotto also reported that Kuminga returning to Atlanta remains a realistic possibility. That update aligns with previous reporting from NBA insider Jake Fischer, who stated in March that both Kuminga and the Hawks shared mutual interest in a long-term partnership if Atlanta were to decline his $24.3 million team option.
Taken together, the reporting suggests the Hawks are doing what every responsible front office should do: exploring all options while keeping the door open for a reunion that could benefit both sides.
Why A Reunion Makes Sense For Atlanta
Since arriving in Atlanta, Kuminga has provided a noticeable boost to the roster. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility immediately addressed several areas of need for the Hawks.
Atlanta lacked consistent downhill pressure before Kuminga’s arrival. His ability to attack the rim, create transition opportunities, and put pressure on opposing defenses added a dimension the team desperately needed. Even when his scoring numbers fluctuated, his impact on the game remained evident through his energy, physicality, and ability to generate offense.
The timing also makes sense. Kuminga is still only 23 years old and fits perfectly alongside Atlanta’s emerging core. The Hawks continue to build around Jalen Johnson and other young contributors, making a reunion with Kuminga a logical step toward maintaining continuity while preserving upside.
Kuminga’s skill set complements Johnson particularly well. Both players thrive in transition, can defend multiple positions, and possess the athletic tools necessary to impact games on both ends of the floor. Modern NBA teams place a premium on versatility, and Atlanta would have plenty of it if Kuminga remains in the fold.
That is one reason a reunion should be viewed as a priority for the Hawks rather than simply one option among many.
The Atlanta Hawks are expected to explore the trade market for Jonathan Kuminga, per @MikeAScotto
“The Hawks have conducted their due diligence and gauged Kuminga’s value on the trade market ahead of the draft, league sources told HoopsHype. With that said, the 23-year-old… pic.twitter.com/MT0PXpSnbS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2026
Kuminga’s Presence Could Influence Other Moves
One of the more interesting storylines surrounding Kuminga’s future involves Zaccharie Risacher.
Before Kuminga arrived in Atlanta, Risacher appeared positioned for a larger role within the rotation. However, once Kuminga joined the team, the coaching staff consistently leaned toward the more proven player. As a result, Risacher’s minutes became less consistent while Kuminga established himself as an important part of Atlanta’s plans.
That development has naturally created speculation regarding Risacher’s future.
If the Hawks ultimately believe Kuminga is a long-term piece, it would not be surprising if Atlanta became more willing to include Risacher in trade discussions this summer. The organization owns the No. 8 and No. 23 overall picks, along with additional future draft capital, providing flexibility to pursue upgrades across the roster.
A reunion with Kuminga would also allow the front office to focus its attention elsewhere. Instead of searching for another athletic wing, Atlanta could concentrate on improving its backcourt depth or strengthening the frontcourt, depending on how the draft unfolds.
The Hawks have repeatedly been linked to guards throughout the draft process, while players such as Aday Mara continue generating interest as potential frontcourt additions. Keeping Kuminga would make it easier for Atlanta to address those areas without creating another hole elsewhere on the roster.
If I’m the Hawks, I’m looking at the defensive duo of Dyson Daniels & Jonathan Kuminga, the All Star emergence of Jalen Johnson, how they were the only team to beat the Knicks, the defensive direction of the league and looking to build on this. pic.twitter.com/ExjqqZvBWt
— CeeJay (@ceejaytalksball) May 26, 2026
Why Re-Signing Kuminga Should Be A Priority
There is a reason the Hawks are exploring Kuminga’s market value. Understanding a player’s worth is simply part of the business side of basketball. However, exploring options does not necessarily mean Atlanta wants to move on.
The reality is Kuminga has already demonstrated why he can be valuable in Quin Snyder’s system. He brings athleticism, scoring, defensive flexibility, and long-term upside. Players with that combination of traits are not easy to find, especially at his age.
The Hawks are expected to remain active this offseason after promoting Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations and signing him to a contract extension. Same for Snyder. Whether that activity includes draft-night trades, free-agent additions, or roster restructuring remains to be seen.
Still, one of the smartest moves Atlanta could make may be the simplest one.
A reunion between the Hawks and Kuminga would provide continuity, preserve a valuable young asset, and strengthen a roster that showed clear improvement after his arrival. While there are still several weeks before major offseason decisions are finalized, all signs continue pointing toward a reunion remaining very much in play.
If Atlanta is serious about continuing to build around its young core, bringing Kuminga back may ultimately become one of the organization’s most important moves of the summer.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
