The Minnesota Timberwolves adding Jonathan Kuminga would mean the five-year NBA player swallowed his pride and took less. Without another roster move, Minnesota can only offer the veteran’s minimum. A sign-and-trade is possible, but Minnesota still wouldn't meet Kuminga's desired money, and it's worth wondering if the Atlanta Hawks would want to take on extra money.
Earlier in the offseason, Jake Fischer reported that Kuminga was looking to receive “more in the $25 million AAV ballpark.” With basically every team short on money at this point of the offseason, a sign-and-trade is the only way Kuminga could come anywhere near that figure.
Otherwise, a one-year prove-it deal is what he will likely have to agree to. There is no better place for him to prove himself than Minnesota, which offers an ideal combination of winning and opportunity.
Kuminga’s top option should be the Wolves
The Timberwolves and power forward have gone hand in hand when discussing the team this offseason. It’s not because they are stacked at the position; it’s because there’s a clear need for a starting four in Minneapolis.
Enter Kuminga. Still a very young player—he turns 24 on October 6—the Timberwolves are well aware of what he can bring to the table and witnessed it firsthand. While facing off against the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2025 playoffs, the Timberwolves saw Steph Curry strain his hamstring in Game 1.
Golden State would lose the next four matchups without its star player, but Kuminga was a rare bright spot for the team in those losses, averaging 24.3 points over that span on 55.4 percent shooting from the field.
Obviously, Kuminga isn't a perfect player. He has career shooting marks of 33.2 percent from 3-point range and 69.9 percent from the foul line. He has made strides on the defensive end, but he does still have occasional lapses.
Still, the fit for Kuminga is clear with the Timberwolves, who will likely play more of an up-tempo offense with LaMelo Ball now on the team. Kuminga would plug right into the starting lineup at power forward, which would make that lineup feel more whole for the Wolves.
Now, the Los Angeles Lakers, the other main suitor for Kuminga, may also provide him with a starting role. There are more players at his position, though, which would create more competition for playing time—an issue he would have less of in Minnesota.
If Kuminga comes to the realization that he has to sign a one-year deal and enter free agency again in 2027, the choice should be the Timberwolves. They would give him the best opportunity to increase his value for a long-term deal with Minnesota or someone else.
Add us as a preferred source on Google