Jonathan Kuminga had multiple suitors reportedly interested in him during the offseason, but he ultimately decided to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal with Minnesota, which comes with a player option in the second year.

Speaking at his introductory press conference on Thursday, Kuminga explained that he wanted to join the Timberwolves because of the culture they have been building.

"I just wanted to go to like a winning culture, and I think this was one of the best winning cultures I could've chosen out of all the options,” he said.

Minnesota made the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, and has been a playoff team for five straight seasons.

He reportedly had a deal on the table from the Los Angeles Lakers early in the offseason that would have paid him $10 million annually, but opted to wait and see how the market shook out. The Lakers were still in talks to acquire him from the Atlanta Hawks via sign-and-trade, but a deal proved to be too complicated with Atlanta reportedly not looking to take back much salary to remain under the tax line.

Kuminga was an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his player option, which was worth $24.3 million.

The Hawks acquired Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors at the 2026 trade deadline in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. Between the Hawks and the Warriors last season, Kuminga played in 36 games, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 46% shooting from the field and 33% from three.

Kuminga will be one of the five starters on Minnesota, joining LaMelo Ball, Antony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert. He reportedly would’ve had a starting role on the Lakers as well, but his role is much more defined on the Timberwolves.

He comes in as a versatile defender who will be able to run alongside Ball and Edwards, creating havoc in the open court and in transition.

While the Lakers have a history of winning, the Timberwolves have been the more successful team over the last five seasons, which includes a first-round playoff victory over the Lakers in 2025.

The Timberwolves have continued to build in Minnesota, with Edwards taking steps as a leader and on his way to becoming one of the best players in the league. Kuminga’s addition helps turn them into a more well-rounded team that will be a tough out in the playoffs.