Onsi Saleh has found himself in the middle of one of the NBA’s biggest offseason storylines, and so far, the Atlanta Hawks’ president of basketball operations has handled the Jonathan Kuminga situation exactly the way Atlanta should. Kuminga remains unsigned, and while there is still a realistic chance he returns to the Hawks, several teams continue monitoring his situation.
Onsi Saleh Makes Bold Hawks Stance On Jonathan Kuminga
At the moment, the Los Angeles Lakers are enamored by Kuminga, showing the strongest interest among reported teams looking to acquire him. However, because the Lakers can only acquire Kuminga through a sign-and-trade agreement, Atlanta controls much of the negotiating process and has no reason to rush into a deal that may not benefit the organization long-term.
The Hawks are under no pressure to complete a trade simply because another team wants Kuminga. If a proposal fails to strengthen Atlanta’s present and future, Saleh has every reason to decline it and continue exploring better opportunities.
Onsi Saleh Has Stayed True To His Philosophy
Following the conclusion of the season, Saleh repeatedly emphasized the importance of making “smart” decisions while maintaining optionality. Everything the Hawks have done this offseason suggests he has remained committed to that philosophy.
Instead of making reactionary moves, Saleh has carefully evaluated every opportunity available. Atlanta strengthened its wing depth by acquiring Aaron Wiggins in an offseason trade for two second-round picks without sacrificing premium assets, while the front office also traded the draft rights to Alpha Kaba for Devin Carter and additional draft capital.
The Hawks’ rookie class has also given the organization reasons to be optimistic. Kingston Flemings has already demonstrated why Atlanta selected him with the No. 8 overall pick, while Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar have each shown encouraging flashes throughout Summer League.
Those additions have strengthened the roster without forcing the Hawks to compromise valuable future assets. That same disciplined mindset should continue to guide the organization as it determines what to do with Kuminga.
Atlanta Holds The Leverage
One of the biggest reasons Saleh deserves credit is that he understands exactly where Atlanta stands in these negotiations. The Lakers cannot simply sign Kuminga outright, so a sign-and-trade remains their clearest path toward acquiring him and gives the Hawks considerable control over whether a deal happens.
Recent trade concepts involving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap have surfaced. Reports indicating that Atlanta is not interested in taking back Vanderbilt’s contract should not surprise anyone who has followed Saleh’s approach.
Taking on an unfavorable contract simply to facilitate a trade would contradict everything Saleh has preached since taking over basketball operations. Instead, the Hawks have remained patient while continuing to evaluate Kuminga’s market and determine whether any offer truly advances the franchise.
If another organization wants Kuminga badly enough, it must present a package that justifies moving one of Atlanta’s most talented young players. If no team reaches that standard, bringing Kuminga back may ultimately become the best outcome available.
Jonathan Kuminga Update 📰
via @JakeLFischer & @TheSteinLine ⬇️• Leaving ATL via sign-and-trade
• Top Suitors: Lakers & Cavs (if CLE misses on LeBron)
• LA deal was possible if he aligned with their vision. Talks are paused until LeBron decides his future. pic.twitter.com/ruc7hX4lBl— THEKNPROJECT🇵🇭 (@thknprjctph) July 12, 2026
Kuminga gave the Hawks an immediate boost after arriving last season. His athleticism, downhill scoring ability and defensive versatility addressed several weaknesses while fitting naturally alongside Jalen Johnson and the rest of Atlanta’s young core.
Keeping Kuminga would allow the Hawks to maintain continuity instead of creating another major hole on the roster. It would also preserve a young player whose physical tools and offensive upside remain difficult to replace, possessing a long-term path that can pay off dividends.
There is obvious value in exploring Kuminga’s trade market because every successful front office needs to understand what its players are worth. However, there is an important difference between listening to offers and feeling pressured to accept one.
Saleh has shown no indication that he is willing to settle for a package that does not meet Atlanta’s standards. The Hawks still control the situation, and that may be his greatest accomplishment throughout this process.
Whether Kuminga ultimately returns to Atlanta or another team eventually presents an offer that cannot be ignored, Saleh has positioned the franchise to make the decision on its own terms. Considering the discipline he has shown throughout the offseason, that patience may ultimately become one of the smartest moves Atlanta makes all year.
Featured Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
