The Minnesota Timberwolves don’t exactly have the best history of procuring top free agents. That’s why the fact that they were even in the running for LeBron James was seen as a big deal.
Now, maybe Jonathan Kuminga isn’t a top free agent per se, but he was one the Timberwolves needed. Knowing that Kuminga chose the Wolves over his other top suitor, the storied Los Angeles Lakers, means a lot to a franchise where these things normally don’t occur.
Early Wednesday evening, Wolves fans finally got the news they had been waiting for all offseason. They now know who is in line to start at power forward after Kuminga agreed to a reported two-year deal worth $12.4 million, with a player option for the second year.
Turning 24 years old on October 6, Kuminga certainly was hoping to receive a good amount more in free agency. He eventually came to the realization, though, that he wouldn't be receiving a huge deal and Minnesota could best help him rebuild his value.
Beating out the Lakers for Kuminga is a big deal
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Kuminga chose Minnesota over a three-year deal worth $12 million plus annually deal from LA, as well as offers made by the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
An advantage for the Timberwolves may have been their two-year offer compared with the Lakers’ reported three-year offer. Accepting Minnesota’s deal will allow Kuminga to re-enter free agency sooner—in all likelihood, next offseason—in hopes of securing a more lucrative deal.
Nonetheless, throughout the Timberwolves’ history, it hasn’t often happened that a worthwhile free agent has chosen them over a marquee franchise, especially with less short-term money on the table. It’s hard to even come up with the best free agent the Timberwolves have ever signed from outside the organization.
This isn't all to say that Kuminga is a sure thing to change the team's fortunes and guide the franchise to their first ever NBA Finals appearance. Kuminga is a rather inconsistent outside shooter and found his way into Steve Kerr's doghouse on a few occasions.
On the other hand, Kuminga is a skilled scorer who has made positive strides on the defensive end. He plugs into the starting power forward role better than anyone on Minnesota's roster prior to his arrival could have. On paper, the Wolves are a better team with Kuminga than without him.
Now, the Wolves finally have their man to start at the four next season after dealing away both Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Not only that, but that man chose Minnesota over the 17-time champion Lakers.
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