What will Jonathan Kuminga's role be?
After an offseason of rumors, Jonathan Kuminga finally settled on joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, signing a two-year, $12 million deal with a player option.
The Timberwolves needed help at the forward position after trading Julius Randle in a salary dump and Naz Reid to acquire LaMelo Ball.
They turned to Kuminga, who was the seventh overall pick in 2021. He spent his first four and a half seasons with the Golden State Warriors before he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks at the 2026 trade deadline.
He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 46% shooting and 33% from three in 36 games with the Warriors and Hawks last season.
Kuminga’s Role
Appearing on The Kevin O’Connor Show, Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, explained what Kuminga’s role will be with the Timberwolves.
“The role is whatever's needed to win. That's the role. It's not this box or that box. Some nights it might be this. Some nights it might be that,” he said.
Turner continued, saying that his role will depend on the matchup and the team, but that he wants his client to be in the moment. He believes that if Kuminga stays healthy and embraces the moment, good things will happen.
Anthony Edwards reportedly sold Kuminga on defense when making a pitch to the unrestricted free agent. Kuminga is a versatile defender and will now be backed by Rudy Gobert.
The Timberwolves are expected to play with more pace and faster in transition given their new look lineup, which should benefit Kuminga as he is a player who gets downhill and attacks the rim.
Will It Work?
On paper, Kuminga is a great fit for the Warriors and the starting lineup alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert.
The potential issues are that he didn’t work out in Golden State and Atlanta despite playing for well-respected coaches Steve Kerr and Quin Snyder. There is also a concern that he won’t buy into his role or grow frustrated if he’s not getting the offensive opportunities that he felt he deserved in Golden State.
Kuminga is effectively on a prove-it deal, signing for $6 million after turning down bigger offers from the Los Angeles Lakers. If Kuminga is out for his numbers in the hopes of landing a monster contract in the offseason, it could have a negative impact on what the Timberwolves want to do.
If he buys in, the Timberwolves will be one of the scariest teams in the league when they get rolling.
