The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a potential suitor for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, however their monetary limitations may forestall them from making a aggressive provide.
Timberwolves reporter Jon Krawczynski mentioned Minnesota’s curiosity after Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the workforce had entered the Kuminga market. Krawczynski defined that the Wolves are keen to discover accessible gamers at positions of want however acknowledged that their wage scenario creates a serious impediment.
“There was a report from my pal Michael Scotto at HoopsHype final week that the Wolves have emerged as a workforce that has expressed curiosity in Jonathan Kuminga,” Krawczynski stated on The Jon Krawczynski Present, through HoopsHype. “What I can say to that may be very a lot just like a variety of the situations on the market with many free brokers through the years. When somebody is on the market, particularly at a place of want, sure, the Wolves are desirous about attempting to become involved within the sweepstakes there.”
The problem for Minnesota is that it at present has restricted spending energy. In line with Krawczynski, the Timberwolves can solely provide Kuminga the minimal contract, whereas Kuminga’s camp has been in search of a a lot bigger wage.
“What will be very tough for them on this state of affairs is that they solely have a minimal provide to increase to Jonathan Kuminga,” Krawczynski stated. “One of many issues that has been made clear by Kuminga’s camp to anybody that’s expressing curiosity in him is that he needs a superb chunk of cash.”
Kuminga’s asking value reportedly began above $20 million yearly earlier than the free-agent market slowed, however Krawczynski doesn’t see a sensible path for Minnesota to succeed in that vary.
“It’s arduous for me to see a state of affairs the place the Wolves become involved at something over the minimal. I simply don’t see any actually avenues for them to become involved that approach,” he stated.
Minnesota’s curiosity is comprehensible after the workforce created a emptiness at beginning energy ahead this offseason. Julius Randle, who began all 79 video games final season and averaged 21.1 factors, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists whereas capturing 48.1% from the sector, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as a part of the deal that brought LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves.
Kuminga would offer athleticism and defensive versatility alongside Minnesota’s new-look core that includes Anthony Edwards and Ball. Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 factors per sport final season whereas capturing 48.9% from the sector and 39.9% from three-point vary over 61 video games.
The 23-year-old ahead stays some of the intriguing younger gamers accessible. After being traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks in the course of the 2025-26 season, Kuminga averaged 12.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists whereas capturing 47.6% from the sector in 16 video games with Atlanta.
Throughout his 2023-24 season with Golden State, Kuminga averaged 16.1 factors on 52.9% capturing, showcasing his capacity to assault the basket, end in transition and defend a number of positions. Throughout 5 NBA seasons, he has averaged 12.5 factors and 4.2 rebounds per sport.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers stay higher positioned financially within the Kuminga pursuit. The Lakers reportedly have a larger contract offer available, whereas Cleveland could use a sign-and-trade structure to create a extra aggressive bundle.
Minnesota completed the 2025-26 season with a 49-33 document, earned the No. 6 seed within the Western Convention and reached the convention semifinals earlier than losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games. Including Kuminga would deal with a transparent roster want, however the Timberwolves might should look elsewhere until the market adjustments considerably.
