Jonathan Kuminga Joins Timberwolves With Chance to Become Key Piece

The Minnesota Timberwolves made another intriguing addition to their already upgraded young and talented roster yesterday. Jonathan Kuminga, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, signed with Minnesota yesterday. Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, per Shams Charania.

Kuminga was one of the top players remaining in free agency, and while other teams, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers, were all in contention to land the young star while guaranteeing him more money, he still chose Minnesota. ESPN reported that Anthony Edwards was critical in recruiting Kuminga to the Wolves.

The move to Minnesota represents more than another offseason addition for the Timberwolves. For the young forward, it could be his biggest opportunity yet to establish himself as a starting-caliber NBA player.

Kuminga, who is only 23, is joining arguably the best young and talented team in the league right now. He has the opportunity to start alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert, some of the best talent he has been surrounded by throughout his career. He also finally has the best opportunity he has ever had to earn a starting role after starting only 15 games combined during his time with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.

Kuminga isn't exactly an unfamiliar name to Timberwolves fans. During Golden State's 2025 playoff series against Minnesota, he scored 30, 26, and 23 points in three separate games. He was arguably the most consistent player for Golden State in that series after the Warriors lost Steph Curry to a hamstring injury. During the first four and a half seasons of his career, Kuminga spent his time with the Warriors, where he averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks this past February at the trade deadline. He continued to thrive in Atlanta, averaging 12.3 points per game to close out the second half of the season. Despite his strong production in meaningful postseason minutes, Atlanta chose not to exercise Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The addition of Kuminga to Minnesota also helps fill the hole left by Naz Reid, who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in early July as part of the LaMelo Ball deal. While Kuminga brings a different skill set than Reid, his ability to score and stretch the floor could allow him to take on a larger offensive role in Minnesota. The Timberwolves won't expect Kuminga to simply replicate what Reid provided. Let's be realistic: nobody could replicate what Naz Reid did for Minnesota. However, Kuminga's athleticism and ability to create his own shot give Minnesota another dynamic offensive weapon alongside Anthony Edwards.

In order to bring Kuminga's $6.1 million salary onto the roster while staying below the second apron, Minnesota will have to make a corresponding roster move. With the deadline to waive a player approaching Saturday, Josh Green has emerged as the likely player to leave Minnesota as part of the transaction. ESPN reports that the Timberwolves will waive Green before the deadline if they are unable to find a trade partner.

Ultimately, Kuminga enters Minnesota with something he hasn't consistently had in his young career: a clear opportunity to prove himself. With a young core already in place and Edwards leading the way, Kuminga could be the final piece that makes Minnesota even more dangerous heading into the upcoming season.

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