Jonathan Kuminga sacrificed money and long-term security to join a Timberwolves team that convinced him it offered the best environment for his next step.
Jonathan Kuminga had more money waiting for him with the Los Angeles Lakers. He apparently found something more persuasive in Minnesota.
Kuminga agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Timberwolves after reportedly turning down a three-year offer from the Lakers worth more than $12 million annually. His Minnesota contract includes a player option for the second season, allowing him to return to free agency next summer.
The decision was not simply about finding a starting position. Los Angeles reportedly presented Kuminga with a similar opportunity to open games alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Minnesota convinced him it offered a better basketball fit.
Minnesota Sold Kuminga on Defense
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, told The Athletic that the Timberwolves’ defensive potential helped separate them from the Lakers.
Minnesota can place Kuminga in a lineup with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. LaMelo Ball is the obvious defensive question, but the Timberwolves have enough length and athleticism around him to remain disruptive.
May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; MinnesotaTimberwolvesguard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket past Golden State Warriors forward JonathanKuminga(00) in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesThat structure could benefit Kuminga. The 23-year-old has the physical tools to defend multiple positions, but his effort and awareness have not always been consistent. Playing next to Gobert and McDaniels should give him fewer places to hide while providing the support needed to become a more dependable defender.
Head coach Chris Finch was also reportedly involved in the recruitment. Minnesota did not merely offer Kuminga minutes. The Timberwolves presented a defined role and explained how his athleticism could complement their established defensive identity.
Los Angeles could not make the same argument as convincingly. The Lakers needed Kuminga partly because of their existing defensive shortcomings on the wing. Joining them would have required him to immediately help solve those problems.
Edwards Helped Close the Deal
Anthony Edwards’ involvement also mattered.
May 10, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; MinnesotaTimberwolvesguard AnthonyEdwards(5) dribbles past Golden State Warriors forward JonathanKuminga(00) in the third quarter during game three in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn ImagesAccording to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Edwards was excited about the possibility of adding Kuminga and played a significant role in Minnesota’s recruitment. For a young player attempting to rebuild his value, receiving that support from one of the NBA’s top stars carries weight.
Kuminga will have an opportunity to run in transition, attack mismatches and play off the attention Edwards and Ball command. He will not be expected to become Minnesota’s primary scorer, but he should receive enough offensive opportunities to prove he can be more than an athletic role player.
The shorter contract was another important factor. Although the Lakers offered more guaranteed money, Kuminga’s player option gives him control over his future. A productive season in Minnesota could place him back on the market in 2027 with greater value.
That approach involves considerable risk, but it explains why Kuminga chose Minnesota. The Lakers offered security. The Timberwolves offered defensive credibility, aggressive recruitment and the chance to quickly change the direction of his career.
