The search for a power forward continues for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, there is very little left in free agency, at least when it comes to players who would definitely be part of their rotation.
Well, there is one free agent who can play the four and likely play a large role for Minnesota. That would be Jonathan Kuminga. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is interest from the TImberwolves in Kuminga. In his recent NBA intel article, Scotto wrote,
"After missing out on their pursuit of LeBron James, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed interest in Kuminga with their starting power forward spot up for grabs and their $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception available for the taking, league sources told HoopsHype."
While that sounds great, using the taxpayer mid-level exception would put the Wolves into the second apron. Therefore, it's not possible without another roster move.
Kuminga to the Timberwolves isn't all that likely
Never say never. It just seems like Kuminga would need to swallow a lot of pride to sign a contract for the veteran’s minimum. That is all the Timberwolves can offer him, barring a move to free up money.
Even trading, say, Terrence Shannon Jr. for future draft picks wouldn’t free up enough space to give Kuminga the full taxpayer mid-level exception. That is because they would still need to fill one more roster spot, and even a minimum-salary player would put them into the dreaded second apron.
Yes, they could trade Donte DiVincenzo, but that would feel harsh. The team has been firm about keeping him, and they are documenting his recovery from his torn Achilles on their YouTube channel.
If one thing has defined Kuminga’s career, it has been inconsistency. Sure, he has spurts where he looks close to an All-Star talent—such as his series against the Timberwolves in 2025 after Steph Curry got hurt. Then there are the times when Kuminga wasn’t even part of Steve Kerr’s rotation for the Golden State Warriors.
Selected seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga is still young enough to figure things out—he turns 24 years old on October 6—and become the player that many believe he can be. It just hasn’t happened yet during the first five years of his career.
It just doesn’t seem as if Kuminga will be a member of the Timberwolves. Scotto also wrote:
"While the Lakers have a significantly higher financial offer and a longer contract on the table, and Cleveland can also offer a significantly higher salary via a sign-and-trade, Minnesota’s interest is still noteworthy, given the basketball fit."
As someone who has reportedly turned down contract extensions before, Kuminga doesn’t seem like he would be willing, at this point in his career, to sign for less because of a basketball fit. Just as they did previously with LeBron James, Wolves fans should temper their expectations that the signing can happen.
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