BREAKING: Jonathan Kuminga Joins Loaded Timberwolves Starting Five After Stunning $13M Agreement

· Yahoo Sports

Jonathan Kuminga is no longer a free agent after he signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Kuminga’s deal with the Timberwolves includes a player option in the final year and a guaranteed starting spot alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks were all interested in signing Kuminga this offseason. However, the one-time champion opted to join the Timberwolves. According to Charania, Kuminga received a three-year deal from the Lakers, which would have paid him $12 million annually.

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However, he chose to play for Minnesota on a shorter deal to have more control over his future.

Feb 24, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Charania reported that Edwards played a significant role in recruiting Jonathan Kuminga. Team president Tim Connelly also traveled to Miami and met with the young forward for a four-hour in-person meeting earlier this month.  Kuminga also met with head coach Chris Finch, who discussed his potential wing role.

Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent this summer after the Hawks rejected his $24.3 million team option. He only played for 16 games in Atlanta, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on 47.6% shooting. The team acquired the former lottery pick in a midseason trade from the Golden State Warriors, where he spent four and a half seasons.

His time in Golden State soured during his past two seasons, as he struggled to secure a role under coach Steve Kerr’s system.

Jake Fischer Said Jonathan Kuminga Preferred the Lakers Over the Timberwolves

Jonathan Kuminga’s decision came down to two teams, the Lakers and the Timberwolves. Both teams offered Kuminga a starting spot and a chance to contend for a championship. However, he ultimately joined Minnesota.

Before agreeing to ink a deal with the Timberwolves, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that Kuminga preferred to sign with the Lakers.

“Comes down to Minnesota or Los Angeles,” Fischer said. “Kuminga, I think, has seemed to prefer going to the Lakers. They have the most opportunity to negotiate there. The Lakers have been selling him on the vision of having him start next to Luka. They’re gonna have the spending power in theory to reward him next year if all goes to plan.

Kuminga could’ve been part of the Purple & Gold ahead of the 2026-27 season as a starter alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. After LeBron James left the franchise to join the Philadelphia 76ers, the former Overtime athlete has been linked to the Lakers.

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