Jonathan Kuminga is heading to Minnesota. The 23-year-old forward agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Timberwolves, including a player option on the second season, agent Aaron Turner confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The move ends a drawn-out offseason saga. Kuminga had been pushing for $25 million per year earlier this summer before settling for a shorter, incentive-driven arrangement. He passed on a three-year offer from the Los Angeles Lakers via sign-and-trade – roughly comparable money – as well as interest from the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers. Minnesota won out.
The pitch was a starting role in one of the West’s better lineups: Kuminga slots in alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert for a Wolves team with real title ambitions heading into 2026-27.
Edwards Closed the Deal Himself
The recruiting effort was personal. Edwards was vocal in pushing Kuminga toward the Wolves, and president Tim Connelly flew to Miami for a four-hour in-person meeting earlier this month. That’s the kind of commitment that moves the needle in free agency.
For Kuminga, the short-term structure is calculated. After a turbulent exit from Golden State, a defined starter’s role on a playoff contender gives him the best possible platform to rebuild his market value. One strong season and he re-enters free agency in 2027 from a position of strength.
What Minnesota Gets
At 6’7″ and 225 pounds, Kuminga is a physical, versatile forward who can guard multiple positions and attack the rim in transition. His career three-point mark sits at 34.7% – room to grow – but his athleticism is genuine. Minnesota is betting that a clear role and real motivation turn that potential into production.
The two-year deal also gives the Wolves flexibility. Kuminga thrives? They extend him. He struggles? The commitment isn’t franchise-altering. Either way, the starting five just got more interesting.
Per Shams Charania, the deal is finalized and Kuminga will be in Wolves colors at training camp.
