Jonathan Kuminga just inked a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the real shocker? He reportedly turned down a *much* more lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, a three-year pact worth more than $12 million annually. That’s a decision that leaves over $20 million on the table, and it tells you everything about what Kuminga is chasing next.
Ninety-Four Calls? This Deal Was a Grind.
Think about this: securing Kuminga wasn’t some casual chat. Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd was on the horn with Kuminga’s agent a staggering 94 times between July 15 and August 26. Ninety-four calls! That’s five weeks of non-stop negotiation, a revelation Lloyd dropped on the StribSports Daily Delivery podcast. It sounds like they absolutely worked their tails off to get this guy. Even Anthony Edwards got in on the action, with Lloyd saying he was “really instrumental in recruiting him to come here.” Add head coach Chris Finch, president Tim Connelly, and operations assistant Alonzo Gee to the mix, and you see the full-court press the Wolves put on. This wasn’t a casual signing, it was a full-blown courtship.
Why Walk Away From That Kind of Cash?
So Kuminga gets offered more than $12 million a year for three years by the Lakers, not to mention offers from the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers. But he chose a shorter, less expensive deal with the Timberwolves, a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option. Why? Because the man wants “more control of his future,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. That’s a bold move, almost unheard of in today’s NBA where players usually chase the biggest bag. But Kuminga, at just 23 years old, is betting on himself in a major way. He’s saying, “I’m worth more, and I’m going to prove it.”
What’s Next for Kuminga: A Bet on Himself
Kuminga’s last season, split between the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks, was a bit of a mixed bag. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 36 games, but he was moved in and out of the rotation with Golden State and dealt with a knee and ankle injury in January. Now, he’s in Minnesota’s second unit, eyeing more regular playing time and a healthier run. If he can ramp up that production, stay on the court, and show the league what he’s truly capable of, that player option next offseason becomes huge. He’s playing for a massive payday in free agency next year, hoping this bet on a short deal pays off big time. Keep an eye on Kuminga this season, he’s got everything to prove.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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