Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally landed their starting power forward in Jonathan Kuminga, but there is a possibility that the partnership is short-term. While the contract is for two years, the second year is a player option worth around $6.4 million.
As long as he has a solid season, it's almost certain that Kuminga will decline that 2027-28 option.
On FanDuel's Run It Back, Chandler Parsons recently chatted with Kuminga's agent, Aaron Turner. Two potential teams were brought up by the agent that could offer Kuminga a larger deal next offseason.
"Money coming before basketball is not how you continue to make more and more money," Turner said. "Next year is a way better free agency year for him...teams that have been trying to sign-and-trade for him, like Sacramento and Chicago, will have a lot of money."
The Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls are set to have more salary cap room in the 2027 offseason than the Timberwolves, who might not be able to match their offers while staying under the second apron.
More money available for Kuminga next offseason?
Turner brought up those teams and provided that answer when Parsons asked why Kuminga declined a three-year extension with the Golden State Warriors that was reportedly worth $75 million.
Golden State ended up trading Kuminga to the Atlanta Hawks in February, and Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option this offseason. Instead, Kuminga signed for far less with Minnesota.
Now, as Turner alluded to, the Warriors may not have been the best situation for him to maximize his earnings as his career progresses. He will turn just 24 years old on October 6, and in Golden State, he found himself in Steve Kerr’s doghouse on multiple occasions.
In Minnesota, Kuminga is firmly entrenched in the starting lineup. He won’t have to worry about the occasional DNP-CD or look over his shoulder if he makes a mistake on the floor.
The Kings had been rumored to be heavily involved in trying to acquire Kuminga in the past, in trades that involved Malik Monk and draft capital going to the Warriors. The Bulls were reportedly one of the teams to offer Kuminga a deal this offseason before he chose the Wolves.
Those teams are fully expected to be in the lottery once again this season, though. The Timberwolves, barring an unexpected collapse, should be a playoff team for the sixth straight year.
Perhaps Kuminga will prioritize winning and be willing to take a bit less with Minnesota, just as he recently did. If not, the Timberwolves may be in the market for a starting power forward again next offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google