Clippers join the Kuminga sweepstakes! Interested in a sign-and-trade, will compete with Lakers, Cavaliers, Bucks, and others

On July 23, Beijing time, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Jonathan Kuminga has another potential landing spot—the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are interested in obtaining the restricted free agent forward via a sign-and-trade. The Lakers, Cavaliers, and Bucks had already been mentioned as suitors for Kuminga, and now the Clippers join the competition.

Scotto added that Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, are not fixated on a specific salary figure. They will evaluate potential destinations based on multiple factors, including roster fit, playing opportunities, and the overall structure of the final contract.

Compared to other teams pursuing Kuminga, the Clippers hold some advantages.

Many teams looking to complete a sign-and-trade would have to send out significant salary to match the deal. However, the Clippers acquired a $17 million trade exception earlier this month in the John Collins trade with the Pistons. Additionally, the Clippers' current payroll is well below the luxury tax line, giving them extra roster flexibility.

But that doesn't mean a deal is imminent.

Scotto reports that the Clippers are currently reluctant to make major roster changes and are awaiting league approval of their trade involving Kawhi Leonard with the Raptors.

This situation also affects restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, who the Clippers are reportedly interested in re-signing. Scotto says multiple teams are also looking to acquire Mathurin via sign-and-trade.

If the Leonard trade passes league review and Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick officially join the Clippers, the team's regular contract roster spots would reach 14. This would force management to make a choice: fully pursue Kuminga, re-sign Mathurin, or find a way to bring both players in.

In summary: The list of teams interested in Kuminga continues to grow. Whether the Clippers can become a strong contender is not primarily about salary cap issues; the key is when they can push forward the rest of their offseason moves.