Jonathan Kuminga reached a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, signing a two-year, $13 million deal according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Even those eager to point out the flaws in Kuminga's game will have difficulty arguing the value of this deal for Minnesota.
Charania adds that Kuminga ultimately chose the Timberwolves over other offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Timberwolves take a smart flier on Jonathan Kuminga
He even reportedly turned down a "similar starting role and $12M-plus annually over three years in L.A," valuing the increased flexibility and control over his future that comes from a shorter-term deal.
Unsurprisingly, the Blazers were among the teams that expressed interest in Kuminga. That's been a consistent theme throughout Tom Dundon's first offseason, with Portland missing out on players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, Peyton Watson, and now, Kuminga.
The reason it was such a predictable target for Dundon is the Ja Morant trade, where Portland took a similar approach to buy low on talent. It also aligns with the approach he's taken in successfully rebuilding the NHL Carolina Hurricanes, who recently even won the Stanley Cup.
Kuminga was the No. 7 overall pick in 2021 and has plenty of untapped potential at 23 years old. He'll find a clearer path to a starting role in Minnesota compared to Portland, where he'd likely have to compete with Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara for a starting spot.
It's a bold bet to turn down the offer from Los Angeles. But for better or worse, Kuminga has bet on himself throughout his young career, particularly during his messy stint with the Golden State Warriors -- a situation both parties likely wish they handled better.
Kuminga would've been the ideal Sharpe replacement for Portland
It's understandable that bet didn't come with the Blazers because of his murky fit with the established wings in Portland compared to Minnesota (outside the perennially underrated Jaden McDaniels). Still, it would've been nice if Portland were to come away with another low-risk, high-reward swing this offseason other than the Morant trade.
Kuminga not only fit what Dundon is looking for in a trade or signing, but he also would've been the ideal replacement for Shaedon Sharpe in the rotation. Unfortunately, Portland's high flyer is set to be reevaluated in six months after suffering a torn meniscus during an offseason workout.
The silver lining is that the Blazers do have a crowded enough backcourt to make up for that loss as currently constructed. Still, no one on this roster can quite replicate that skill set Sharpe has. The combination of shot creation, positional size, and athleticism is something Holiday, Lillard, Henderson, etc. can't offer.
Of the available external options, Kuminga was the best chance at filling the void from Sharpe's recent injury. But with him now officially joining Minnesota instead, Portland will likely enter the 2026-27 season with that role left unaddressed until Sharpe is finally ready to return.
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