Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball made sure Jonathan Kuminga knew how badly the Timberwolves wanted him in Minnesota.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga extended far beyond conversations between his representatives and the front office.
Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball personally helped recruit Kuminga, maintaining regular contact with the athletic forward before he chose Minnesota over other interested teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think me and Melo and Ant spoke pretty much every day, especially Ant,” Kuminga said during his introductory news conference. “Them wanting me to be here, it felt real.”
That consistent communication gave Kuminga something every free agent wants to feel: wanted.
Minnesota’s Stars Made Their Pitch
Edwards has grown into the face of the Timberwolves, and his involvement carried weight. Rather than leave the recruiting entirely to president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, Edwards made it clear that he viewed Kuminga as someone who could help Minnesota compete in a loaded Western Conference.
Ball also played a significant role after arriving in Minnesota earlier in the offseason. His relationship with Edwards has quickly become central to the Timberwolves’ new direction, and the two guards now appear to be taking ownership of how the roster is constructed around them.
For Kuminga, their daily communication helped separate Minnesota from the other teams pursuing him.
The Lakers were reportedly among those interested after Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent. He ultimately signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Timberwolves that includes a player option for the second season.
The deal gives Kuminga an opportunity to rebuild his value before potentially returning to free agency next summer.
Kuminga Can Fill an Important Role
Minnesota offers Kuminga a talented supporting cast and a clearer path to meaningful minutes.
He projects to join Ball, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert in a long, athletic starting lineup. Kuminga can attack the rim, defend multiple positions and create offense in transition without needing to be the team’s primary option.
His career has included flashes of high-level production but little consistency. The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 12.2 points across 36 games split between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks last season. His role frequently changed in Golden State before he was traded to Atlanta, which later declined his team option.
Minnesota is betting that a stable role and strong relationships can unlock more of his potential.
The Timberwolves already know what Kuminga can do at his best. He produced several explosive performances against Minnesota during the 2025 playoffs, including games of 30, 26 and 23 points.
Now Edwards and Ball will be trying to bring that version of Kuminga out consistently.
Recruiting does not guarantee that every piece will fit, especially on a roster with several players who need the ball. Still, Kuminga’s comments show that Minnesota’s stars did more than approve the signing.
They helped make it happen.
