On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Jonathan Kuminga had agreed to join the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year, $12.4 million deal. Notably, the deal is considerably shorter and less lucrative than the three-year, $75 million extension that Kuminga reportedly turned down before the start of the 2025-26 season.
According to Kuminga’s agent Aaron Turner, this was by design. In an appearance on “Run It Back” this Friday, Turner explained how the Timberwolves deal sets the stage for Kuminga to earn more in the long run.
“With the basketball comes the money. If you understand this business, you understand that, if it’s a good basketball fit, the money follows.”
This season, Kuminga is set to join a Minnesota squad led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Anthony Edwards and newly acquired point guard LaMelo Ball. In the frontcourt, Kuminga can fill the scoring void left by Julius Randle as he teams up with do-it-all wing Jaden McDaniels and defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert.
Turner added that, financially, the 2027 offseason could offer more lucrative opportunities for the 23-year-old forward.
“On paper, next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free agency year…There’s a lot of teams with money…Those teams that have been trying to sign and trade for him, Sacramento, Chicago…these teams have a lot of money next year.”
To Turner’s point, Kuminga’s contract with the Wolves includes a player option for the second year, meaning that he’ll have the flexibility to hunt an even bigger deal in 2027.
“You’re the First Plug That Gets Pulled”: Jonathan Kuminga’s Ex-Teammate Voices Concerns Over Minnesota SigningMeanwhile, Jonathan Kuminga’s former teammate Draymond Green has voiced concerns about his decision to join the Timberwolves.
On Friday’s episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” the Golden State Warriors star said that Kuminga’s stature with the Wolves has its fair share of risks. According to Green, the smaller contract Kuminga signed could influence how the Wolves handle him if the team underperforms this season.
“A $6.5 million dollar salary in the NBA is a bench role salary. Your salary determines ultimately how a team treats you…So, my only worry for JK is that, if it’s not working, you’re the first plug that gets pulled.”
While Green acknowledged that Kuminga could end up clinching a starting spot, he warned that Kuminga could end up in a difficult situation if the Wolves’ starting lineup “isn’t getting off to great starts.”
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