Jonathan Kuminga Chooses Timberwolves as NBA Free Agency Takes Another Turn
By Next Play Report | August 27, 2026
The NBA offseason has delivered another major development, with Jonathan Kuminga agreeing to join the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year contract.
According to ESPN reports cited by NBA.com and Reuters, the deal is worth approximately $12.4 million to $13 million, with a player option for the second season. Kuminga chose Minnesota after also drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
A Fresh Start for Kuminga
For Kuminga, the move represents an opportunity to reset his NBA career.
The 23-year-old forward entered the league as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and spent his first several seasons with the Golden State Warriors. He was later traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2026.
Kuminga finished last season averaging 12.2 points across 36 games between Golden State and Atlanta. His best scoring season came in 2023-24, when he averaged 16.1 points per game and established career highs in both games played and starts.
Now, Minnesota is giving him another chance to establish himself as an important part of a contender.
Why Minnesota Made Sense
The Timberwolves needed additional frontcourt athleticism after making significant offseason changes.
Kuminga brings a combination of size, speed and attacking ability that can give Minnesota another option alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. NBA.com reported that Kuminga is expected to move into Minnesota’s starting group.
The biggest question will be how Minnesota distributes offensive opportunities among its talented players.
If Kuminga can consistently attack the basket, defend multiple positions and improve his outside shooting, the move could become an important part of Minnesota’s push in the Western Conference.
The Lakers Miss Out
The Los Angeles Lakers were among the teams interested in Kuminga, and reports indicated that the Lakers and Hawks explored a potential sign-and-trade arrangement.
Ultimately, Kuminga decided that Minnesota was the better destination.
That decision adds another interesting storyline to an offseason that has already featured significant player movement across the league.
What This Means for the Timberwolves
Minnesota is clearly looking to build around Anthony Edwards while remaining competitive in the West.
Adding Kuminga gives the Timberwolves another young player with room to grow. He also arrives with playoff experience and a history of producing big scoring performances.
During the 2025 playoffs, Kuminga had three strong games against Minnesota, scoring 30, 26 and 23 points during Golden State’s second-round series against the Timberwolves.
Now he will be trying to help the same franchise compete for a championship.
A New Chapter Begins
Kuminga’s move to Minnesota could prove to be one of the more intriguing free-agent decisions of the offseason.
The contract is relatively short, giving both the player and team flexibility. For Kuminga, it is a chance to show that he can become a reliable contributor on a team with serious postseason ambitions.
For the Timberwolves, the signing adds another athletic piece to an evolving roster.
The real test begins when the 2026-27 NBA season gets underway.
Final Takeaway
Jonathan Kuminga is getting a fresh opportunity in Minnesota, while the Timberwolves are adding a young forward with significant upside.
Whether the move becomes a major win for Minnesota will depend on Kuminga’s role, consistency and ability to fit alongside the team’s established stars. But for now, the Timberwolves have added another intriguing piece to an increasingly competitive Western Conference.
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