Jonathan Kuminga Inks a 2-Year Deal with Minnesota

Jonathan Kuminga and the Minnesota Timberwolves came to an agreement on a 2-year, thirteen million dollar deal this Wednesday. Reports said the Lakers, Bulls, and Blazers all pursued Kuminga, but the young forward preferred a shorter-term deal with Minnesota. Kuminga also voiced his interest to the media in wanting to be in a starting role. It was unclear whether he was going to have that opportunity to earn the starting position in Atlanta. Minnesota gives him a great opportunity to have a fresh start and develop into a key player next to Anthony Edwards and Lamelo Ball.

Kuminga averaged 12.3 PTS, 2.1 AST, 5.3 REB across 16 games with Atlanta post trade deadline last season. He was a key part in getting the Hawks to a top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and played a big role in the playoffs.

Atlanta had declined Kuminga’s team option for $24M earlier this offseason. Talks were had within the two sides about coming back on a cheaper contract, but ultimately, they decided to part ways. Atlanta drafted rookies Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar in the 2026 draft, and signed all 3 contracts. Atlanta declined the player option to free money as they did not see the value in accepting the $24M option. This freed up money for all 3 draft picks and other offseason moves like acquiring Lu Dort in a 3-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks that sent former #1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.

Atlanta remains in a good spot with their cap space even after their offseason moves. This is a key reason as to why general manager Onsi Saleh wanted to bring Kuminga back on a cheaper deal. Atlanta remains $3.8 million under the luxury tax, $11.5 million under the 1st apron, and $24.2 million under the 2nd apron.

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