Timberwolves Sign Jonathan Kuminga to Two-Year Deal

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms with free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga.

Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, told ESPN the deal is worth $12.4 million over two years and includes a player option on the second season, which would let Kuminga return to free agency next summer. The team had not confirmed the agreement as of Thursday morning.

The 23-year-old fills Minnesota’s opening at power forward, created when the Timberwolves traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid earlier this offseason in the move that brought in point guard LaMelo Ball. Kuminga is expected to start alongside Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

Minnesota still has to clear a roster spot to make the signing work. The Timberwolves are working on a trade involving reserve wing Josh Green and would waive him if nothing comes together before Saturday’s deadline.

Kuminga was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and won a championship as a rookie with Golden State. He has averaged better than 12 points and four rebounds across 294 career games. The Warriors traded him to Atlanta in February, and the Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option in June, pushing him into a drawn-out free agency for the second straight summer. He chose Minnesota over a longer and richer offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, along with interest from Chicago and Portland. Edwards and team president Tim Connelly both took part in the recruiting push.