Throughout his career, Jonathan Kuminga has been extremely polarizing. It has never been about his talent or his athleticism, but about his ability to buy into a role and play team-oriented basketball. So far with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he's done everything expected of him and more, and he's fit into the nucleus of the roster seamlessly to start the season.
His 3-pointer has been automatic from the corner, he's consistently rebounded at a high level, and he's played some of the most engaged defense of his career. If he keeps this up, it shouldn't be a question whether the Wolves find a way to make him a part of the long-term core. He has the youth and personality to match the team perfectly, not to mention his great complementary skill set.
Jonathan Kuminga signed a prove-it deal, and he's proving it
During the offseason, Kuminga signed a deal just north of $6 million for one year plus a player option. He turned down more money from other teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, because he believed that the situation in Minnesota was the best fit for him as a player.
The deal he signed was a bet on himself. If he overperformed in the contract and proved his value as a winning player, he would be able to enter the free-agent market again next offseason and earn a bigger contract. He's doing exactly that, and with how good he looks, the Wolves must keep him around.
This season, Kuminga is averaging 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and a career-high 2.6 assists per game. He's also shooting a career-best 44.1 percent from 3-point range on a career-high 4.3 attempts per game. He's shutting down the narrative that he isn't a floor spacer and is playing great alongside Rudy Gobert.
The Wolves will have a choice to make this offseason
It's not just Kuminga who has a contract decision this offseason, but Gobert too. Both have player options. For the Wolves to not exceed the second apron, barring any players taking discounts, the Wolves will likely have to choose between one of Kuminga or Gobert to have long-term.
As of right now, you can't say that Kuminga is the right choice. Nothing against Gobert, but he's in his mid-30s, and so far this season there's been a noticeable decline in his offense. Kuminga is 24 and fits perfectly with the Wolves' core pieces, both in age and on the court.
Gobert also has Joan Beringer behind him, who has looked phenomenal, while the Wolves don't have anyone behind Kuminga that the organization is highly invested in, nor anyone talented enough to be stealing minutes.
Kuminga came to the team with a lot of unknowns, but he's showing the Wolves that he deserves a long-term spot with this organization.
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