Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26

Timberwolves Land Jonathan Kuminga for 2 Years, $12 Million as Lakers Miss With $36 Million Bid

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26

Timberwolves Land Jonathan Kuminga for 2 Years, $12 Million as Lakers Miss With $36 Million Bid

Q: Why did Jonathan Kuminga reject a lucrative Lakers deal to risk his future on a short-term contract with the Timberwolves?

Jonathan Kuminga turned down the Lakers because Minnesota offered what he appears to value most right now: a clearer basketball pathway and more control over his next contract. The Timberwolves sold him on an immediate starting job at power forward on a contender, alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Multiple reports say Minnesota emphasized a featured role from Day 1, and that mattered to Kuminga after years of inconsistent usage in Golden State and a short bench role in Atlanta. Team president Tim Connelly, coach Chris Finch and Edwards all recruited him aggressively, reinforcing that he would be wanted and used. The contract structure was also key. By taking a two-year, $12.4 million deal with a player option in Year 2, Kuminga keeps the ability to re-enter free agency as soon as next summer. That gives him a chance to rebuild his market value quickly if he performs well in a bigger role. The Lakers’ offer was longer and richer annually, but it would have tied him down for more years and reduced his flexibility. In effect, Kuminga is betting that a strong season in Minnesota will lead to a much larger payday later. At 23, with starter-level upside and a clear opening in the Wolves’ frontcourt, he appears to have judged that the short-term financial sacrifice was worth the chance to prove himself, raise his value and regain leverage over his career.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26

Jonathan Kuminga chose Minnesota on Wednesday, taking a two-year, $12 million deal with a player option instead of the Lakers’ three-year offer worth more than $36 million.
Minnesota sold Kuminga on a starting power-forward role, heavy minutes and a chance to rebuild his value after trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid left a hole in the frontcourt.
Anthony Edwards, Tim Connelly and co-owner Alex Rodriguez led a summer-long recruiting push, while new ownership backing gave the Wolves enough flexibility to raise their offer above the veteran minimum.
That signing now forces a cap move: Minnesota likely needs to trade Josh Green and his $14.6 million salary, or waive-and-stretch him, to stay below the NBA’s second apron.
For the Wolves, the 23-year-old former No. 7 pick is a low-cost bet on athleticism and defensive upside after he averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds last season.