Timberwolves Now Have Just One Main Competitor for Jonathan Kuminga

This offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been very active as they bolstered their backcourt by adding LaMelo Ball via trade and they brought back a key piece in Ayo Dosumu. 

The Timberwolves traded away forward Naz Reid to acquire Ball and have yet to replace that power forward position. 

One player Minnesota has been linked to is Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent, and he could be the final piece to the new look Timberwolves lineup. 

The issue the Timberwolves are running into is that they’re not the only team who could be pursuing the 23 year old forward. 

The Los Angeles Lakers are also a team to watch to sign Kuminga, according to the New York Post. The Lakers are in need of a power forward as well, and Kuminga fits what their coaching staff could be looking for. 

Jonathan Kuminga is a player who has had his ups and downs in his NBA career, but he’s someone who has the upside to elevate a contending team’s front court. 

In terms of how he fits into the Timberwolves lineup, he has all the traits that compliment the four other projected starters. 

Kuminga is an athletic big man and has the ability to play downhill.

Aside from Rudy Gobert, Minnesota’s starters all play around the perimeter, but if they can add someone who can attack the basket consistently, it makes them more dynamic. 

Another factor that could make a Kuminga move to Minnesota successful is the addition of LaMelo Ball. Ball is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, and he could develop a strong connection with Kuminga. 

LaMelo Ball has built connections with athletic power forwards in the past. His former teammate Miles Bridges saw a growth in production because of the chemistry he formed with LaMelo.  

If Jonathan Kuminga were to sign with Minnesota, he could also find himself having a productive season because Ball could set him up for success consistently. 

The Lakers have a great playmaker of their own in Luka Doncic, which could put Kuminga in a tough spot when trying to make a decision on where to go. 

This is also a team who is in need of a power forward and like Minnesota, could benefit from having someone dynamic in the front court. 

With both teams being in similar situations, it will be interesting to see how Kuminga approaches this decision and how much longer he will take to sign with a team.