Sports

Jonathan Kuminga's delusion could lead him straight to the Timberwolves

Dunking with Wolves · Jul 21, 2026 23:30 · 3 min read

Jonathan Kuminga's delusion could lead him straight to the Timberwolves — Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) dribbles during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jonathan Kuminga wants around $20 million a year. But since he's unlikely to get such a contract, he could be forced to take a prove-it deal.

Nearly a month after trading for LaMelo Ball, the Minnesota Timberwolves still need a power forward. Unless they land LeBron James, it's hard to see many clear ways for them to fill this void (though it's not impossible). What about Jonathan Kuminga, though?

Recently, Jovan Buha reported that Kuminga is seeking a deal worth close to $20 million annually. On the surface level, this should rule the Wolves out, as they only have access to a veteran minimum contract. However, at this point in free agency, Kuminga is unlikely to get such a payday, and his delusion could actually give the Wolves a chance to sign him.

Buha reported this about Kuminga in the context of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is his most commonly mentioned landing spot. Furthermore, it's been reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic that the Lakers aren't overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Given that the Lakers no longer have a boatload of cap space, a sign-and-trade of sorts could be needed even if he lowers his demands. It's also worth noting that the Lakers are already above the roster limit.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are another possible suitor for Kuminga, but if they sign LeBron, this possibility can be ruled out. From there, it's hard to pinpoint teams that would be willing to pay Kuminga anything close to what he wants.

So if he's already going to be forced to take less money, why not do it with a team that gives him the biggest role and the best chance to win? That would, of course, be the Timberwolves.

A Kuminga-Timberwolves pairing would be a worthy gamble for both sides

Look, going from hoping to earn a deal worth in the $20 million-a-year range to a minimum is a stark difference. But the reality is that Kuminga is unlikely to get a big payday or a long-term contract.

If he's willing to take a minimum deal from the Timberwolves, Kuminga would have a clear path to big-time minutes (likely as a starter). While taking a minimum contract from Minnesota would be a short-term loss, a one-year prove-it deal could be Kuminga's best path to eventually earn the payday he wants.

Signing Kuminga would undoubtedly be a polarizing move. Kuminga famously fell out of favor with Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors. His decision-making and inconsistent play on both ends of the floor are frustrating to say the least. Regardless, he's ultra-talented, and lest we forget, he's still just 23 years old.

If Kuminga can put all his physical gifts together, he could provide the Wolves with a real scoring punch along with some sturdy and versatile defense. More importantly, barring a surprise LeBron signing or a late offseason trade, the Timberwolves won't have a higher upside option than signing Kuminga.

Tim Connelly certainly seems like a guy who would be willing to bank on Kuminga's pedigree. And frankly, it's hard to blame him.

The Timberwolves need to maximize their chances of winning a title with Anthony Edwards, and this forward room isn't cutting it. If they're seriously considering playing someone like Terrence Shannon Jr. at power forward, why in the world wouldn't they roll the dice on Kuminga?

We'll have to wait and see if Kuminga has another option we aren't considering, but if the market keeps trending down, he might be forced to take a prove-it deal, and Minnesota's pitch might be hard to pass up on.