Toward the end of NBA free agency, rumors emerged that the Chicago Bulls were interested in two restricted free-agent forwards: Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin. While the Bulls failed to acquire either player, Kuminga was the target they truly desired out of the pair, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.

While the Bulls‘ interest in signing Kuminga in free agency was real, the organization was reportedly unwilling to promise him that he would start and close out games, per Lorenzi. Kuminga ultimately signed with the Timberwolves.

How Kuminga joined the Timberwolves

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks at last season’s trade deadline. He was a key contributor during the Hawks’ first-round playoff series loss to the New York Knicks and chose to depart after just half a season.

Kuminga played in 36 total games, including 14 starts, between the Warriors and Hawks last season. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 72.4% from the free-throw line.

Kuminga’s reason for joining the Timberwolves

After a long-running debate in the Bay Area regarding his fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green under head coach Steve Kerr, followed by his stint with the Hawks and prolonged offseason uncertainty, Kuminga found it refreshing to join a destination where he knows he is a major part of the plan heading into this season with the Timberwolves.

“Them wanting me to be here, it felt real,” Kuminga said of the Wolves. “They were very genuine people, and these are people you could sit down with and have a conversation. A lot of people, you can’t sit down with and have an actual conversation with about certain things, and I think that’s when I felt the vibe — including Ant. Me and him sat on the phone and spoke about certain things, and that just made me feel very comfortable. I think making a decision was very easy after talking to Alonzo and Tim and the rest of the guys.”

“This free agency, this contract does feel like betting on yourself. What is it this year that you would like to prove about your game that people may not…” a reporter began before Connelly promptly cut him off with a grin: “Bad choice of words. Don’t use betting. Come on, man.”

Though lighthearted, the playful exchange highlights the hyper-awareness surrounding gambling terminology across the NBA, particularly in the wake of the recent league disciplinary actions involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Once the laughter subsided, the news conference proceeded as planned.

On the floor, Kuminga projects as an intriguing tandem partner alongside franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards, who reportedly played an active role in recruiting the former Golden State Warriors forward to Minneapolis.

Kuminga on choosing Minnesota

When pressed on why he chose the Timberwolves over suitors like the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, Kuminga pointed directly to the team’s recent success and established identity.

“I wanted to go to a winning culture, and I think this was the best winning culture I could’ve chosen out of my options,” Kuminga said, as the question was also related to the money.

Kuminga’s expected role with the Wolves

While his dialogues with head coach Chris Finch are still in the early stages, Kuminga offered insight into what Finch expects from him on the hardwood this season.

“We haven’t spoken as much… he wants me to come here and be myself, rebound, defend at the highest level,” Kuminga said. “If I focus on those two—just rebounding and defense—I think that’ll help the team and that will help me.”

Edwards will play a crucial role in enabling the franchise to succeed by balancing stardom and creating space for his teammates to shine—a commitment he has already demonstrated this summer.

Edwards has showcased his leadership through several key actions:

• Letting LaMelo Ball stay at his house immediately after the trade.
• Organizing and financing a team trip to France to get practice reps in with Rudy Gobert.
• Recruiting Jonathan Kuminga with a focus on defense.

Edwards excited to play with rebuilt roster

Edwards is reportedly “very pleased” with the moves made by the Timberwolves this offseason, an effort in which he had heavy involvement. Pivoting to a high-octane, guard-centric system, the team overhauled its roster around Edwards by flipping Julius Randle and Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.

The front office also bolstered the second unit by retaining Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland, locking down Jaylen Clark with an extension, and bringing in Trey Lyles.

“[Edwards] is very pleased with the Wolves offseason,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told the “Hoop Collective” podcast. “Getting LaMelo, making this deal happen for Kuminga. If [Edwards’] extension was now, maybe he would be excited about this enough to sign it, maybe he thinks that LaMelo is going to be a perfect fit.”

Timberwolves chase Western Conference title

After back-to-back appearances in the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Timberwolves fell to the San Antonio Spurs in this year’s second round. However, the squad hopes injuries will not be a concern this coming season.

Injuries significantly impacted the playoff run, with Edwards playing through a bone bruise in his left knee, Donte DiVincenzo missing the entire series, and Ayo Dosunmu sidelined by a calf injury.

Many have wondered about Kuminga’s position on the ascendant, young Western Conference squad. In an interview with “Run It Back,” Kuminga’s agent laid out how his client will fit with the team.

Turner explained that Kuminga was brought in with a clearly defined starting role right from the jump. “Yeah, this was a clear-cut… you’re coming in here to start at the four, with Melo, Ant, Jaden, JK, Rudy,” Turner said. “Obviously they have great young guys coming in too. You got Ayo, you got Terrence Shannon Jr., Donte when he comes back.”

On-court role and lineup dynamics

Questions remain regarding how Kuminga will function on the court and during training camp with his new teammates, particularly alongside dominant options like Ball and Anthony Edwards.

Turner explained how the Timberwolves view Kuminga’s role heading into camp, given how stacked the roster is. “I think on paper, this is obviously one of the most stacked teams. Going into camp, going into preseason, how are they viewing JK? Is he a starter? Is he more of an energy guy? What are they looking to use him for, playing with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball? Obviously he’s 23 years old.”

Turner pointed out that this is the first time in Kuminga’s six-year NBA career that he enters a season already knowing he will start. During his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, his starting status was always in question under head coach Steve Kerr, a scenario that carried over during his time with the Atlanta Hawks.

“So they pitched a great, clear role,” Turner added. “And for JK going into year six, which it’s crazy it’s year six now, but he’s never got to come into the season going, ‘I know I’m the starter.’ That tailwind of just clear, ‘Hey man, you’re coming in here to start.’ Chris Finch did a great job explaining the role to him that he envisions and how they wanna play.”

Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, said his client now has more control over his future, which was not the case with the more valuable previous offers. During a recent conversation on “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, Turner explained Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings are the teams he is eyeing for a potential move next summer.

“I would say on paper, next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free-agency year for him,” Turner told Chandler Parsons. “There are a lot of teams with money, and if you have paid attention to the JK’s recruiting saga over the last few years, those teams that have been trying to sign and trade from (are) Sacramento and Chicago.”

Intriguing free-agency destinations

While Turner did not confirm that Kuminga will eventually move out of Minnesota, he did name the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls as the two teams that he would be looking at in the free agency that comes before the next season.

“These teams have a lot of money next year. Now I’m not saying that will necessarily (offer a trade, but) who knows. But the game board is set very, very well for JK for 2027, but you have to be able to get into that market,” Turner added.

To some, these may not sound like the most eye-catching options currently, but Kuminga expects to be the primary star of a franchise. Finding that role on a squad with established stars like Minnesota—featuring Kuminga and LaMelo Ball—remains difficult while also attempting to win a championship.

Contract flexibility and roster fit

“And if you have a team option, you could have as good a year as you want; you can’t get into that market,” Turner said. “So with a player option now, you decide if you want to be in that market, and that is a big, big deal in controlling your future earnings.”

Additionally, the roster fit for Kuminga is itself intriguing, given he will be starting alongside franchise icon Anthony Edwards, the newly signed LaMelo Ball, and Jaden McDaniels.

The Los Angeles Lakers failed to secure Kuminga despite long being considered the heavy favorites, as Edwards stepped up to finalize the pitch. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, revealed to The Athletic how Edwards helped convince his client to choose Minnesota.

“Ant was super active in the recruitment of him,” Turner said. “One thing he did was focus his message on, we’re gonna really guard here. Everybody looked at the offensive end. JK and I looked more at the defensive end.”

Kuminga’s agreement with the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves were initially offering Kuminga just the $3.6 million veteran minimum salary, which was too low for even Edwards to make progress. However, the Timberwolves recently brought in a new controlling owner in Marc Stad. Stad instructed president of basketball operations Tim Connelly to do whatever it took to reach the $6 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

What Kuminga and Edwards bring to the floor

Edwards had already reached out to Kuminga, speaking with him about how the Timberwolves struggled to contain him when facing the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 playoffs. The 23-year-old notably averaged 26.3 points over the final three games of that series, offering a preview of what he can deliver.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, split between the Warriors and Hawks during the 2025-26 NBA season. Atlanta declined his $24.3 million team option for the 2026-27 season, allowing him to enter free agency.

Importantly, the deal with the Timberwolves includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. If Kuminga excels, he could test the market again in 2027 when his value is at its peak.

As for Edwards, his value has remained elite and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The four-time All-Star averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in the 2025-26 season. Edwards stands as one of the premier players in the world, though an NBA championship has eluded him. Now, teamed up with Kuminga, he will aim to capture his first ring.

In a recent chat with the media, the young guard offered a rare glimpse into his mindset while answering rapid-fire questions about the game. Asked about a potential nickname for the new backcourt, Edwards selected a reference from the iconic Pixar movie The Incredibles.

“It would never be Ant-Man and Wasp,” said Edwards. “He’s too good for that. It would be more like… what’s that dude’s name from The Incredibles? Mr. Incredible, that’s Melo. And I’m Frozone.”

Edwards aims to overcome Wembanyama

With Ball on board, the squad shapes up as a championship contender, but faces tough competition in the Western Conference—most notably the reigning conference champions, the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama.

Edwards discussed Wembanyama and explained why their matchups bring out his best, noting that Wembanyama’s height presents a serious challenge. “As of right now, probably Wemby,” Edwards added. “I mean, he’s 7’5”, so I just gotta find ways to get around him. You know, I got to try and outthink him because he’s so much taller than me.”

Edwards did not select Wembanyama at random. The two clashed during the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals, where Wembanyama and the Spurs dominated the series, eliminating Minnesota in six games. The defeat marked the biggest challenge Edwards has faced so far, driving his determination to set things right in the 2026-27 NBA season.

The Edwards-Ball backcourt dynamic

While many fans favored the nickname “Ant-Man and Wasp,” Edwards believed it did not do justice to Ball‘s superstar status given his career averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 40.7% shooting from the field.

For Edwards, Ball stands as an equal star, making two full-fledged heroes like Mr. Incredible and Frozone the ideal match. Edwards even dressed as Mr. Incredible for Halloween, making the comparison even more fitting.

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also recently expressed interest in Kuminga, per HoopsHype, but operate under financial restrictions of their own. The Timberwolves have access to a $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception, but the Lakers have a higher financial offer and a longer contract on the table.

Minnesota missed out on LeBron James and still has the power forward slot open for a player of Kuminga’s caliber, a situation similar to what the Cavaliers are facing. This means that despite potentially offering the better basketball fit, the other two teams are understood to be ahead, which could prompt the Wolves to make a greater push. Furthermore, Minnesota presents an intriguing project alongside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

Kuminga entangled in controversy

Kuminga‘s path in the NBA has not been smooth. Kuminga arrived at the Atlanta Hawks after being traded alongside Buddy Hield by the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

He signed a two-year, $46 million deal with the Warriors at the end of last season after holding out for a number of weeks. A similar situation has arisen this time around, with Kuminga understood to be unwilling to commit long-term on a deal that he deems less than what he is worth.

While he initially demanded a contract worth $20 million annually, he is also reportedly unwilling to sign a three-year deal, which is a required condition for any sign-and-trade agreement under NBA rules. This further complicates matters for the Cavaliers, who need a sign-and-trade to complete the acquisition.

On the other hand, Kuminga reportedly turned down a two-year, $20 million offer from the Lakers, which still leaves them as the most likely destination of the three. This is because the Timberwolves cannot offer that same amount, and Kuminga’s camp is understood to be remaining patient as they wait for further movement in the free-agent market.

Following the Timberwolves’ second-round loss to the Spurs this year, Anthony Edwards admitted the two teams were budding rivals. Still, when looking back on the series, he made sure to give them credit for a job well done, making it clear that a rivalry exists.

“Hell yeah, hell yeah, hell yeah, it’s a rivalry,” said Edwards. “I tip my hat to them young n****s, they came out to ball. Them boys balled. I have nothing bad to say about the Spurs; they balled. Like one thing about me, when you beat me, I ain’t no hating that, I ain’t got that in my blood. But we’ll be back.”

NBA rivalries may not be what they used to be, but animosity still exists between some teams and players. Today, some of the most recognized rivalries include Spurs vs. Thunder, Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, and Lakers vs. Warriors. Now, we can add the Timberwolves vs Spurs to the list, and it could produce content for many years.

How the series went between both teams

At this stage in the timeline, it’s impossible to say which team will get the upper hand between these teams, but we just saw a glimpse of what their future showdowns could look like. This year, Edwards led the Timberwolves to an impressive win in the first round against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

They were underdogs in the series but still managed to pull off the upset thanks to strong leadership and balanced contributions across the roster. Coming off two straight runs to the NBA Conference Finals (2024 and 2025), the Wolves had their eyes set on making it a third, but the Spurs got in the way.

Other than Games 1 and 4, the Spurs controlled much of the series, limiting the effectiveness of key players like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. For his part, Edwards tried his best to carry his team to victory with averages of 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across the 6-game Western Conference Semifinals.

In the end, the Timberwolves didn’t have enough firepower to topple the Spurs, and Victor Wembanyama was a huge part of that. His ascent is shifting the NBA’s balance of power, and Edwards found himself cheering when he got ejected in Game 4 of the series. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that Victor’s team is currently still alive in the NBA playoff fight, while Edwards is watching from home.

Speaking to reporters after the Timberwolves were officially eliminated, McDaniels was remarkably candid about the physical impossibility of shooting over the young star. “Wemby is probably the greatest defender I ever played against. Him being so tall and so long, it was hard to get to the rim. That’s pretty much the most part,” McDaniels explained.

The Timberwolves’ forward noted that while he could technically reach his preferred areas on the floor, the sheer length of the Spurs‘ center made scoring nearly impossible. “I was able to get to my spots but playing Wemby, he’s huge. He’s so tall. He’s the greatest defender I ever played against,” he added, emphasizing the massive impact the Frenchman had on the series.

Timberwolves are open after playoff loss

Beyond the physical challenges on the court, McDaniels highlighted internal issues regarding the team’s “moodiness” that need to be addressed before next season. He suggested that players must learn to be happy for their teammates’ success even on off-nights, noting that being more together and selfless is the first step toward becoming a truly elite championship contender.

Naz Reid echoed these sentiments when discussing how Minnesota can catch up to dominant western powers like San Antonio and Oklahoma City in the near future. “Probably just the moodiness. You look at both of those teams and they’re playing for one another… I think we have more than enough talent… But just being less moody,” Reid remarked to the media.

The consensus in the locker room is that while the talent is undeniable, the mental fortitude and selflessness of the squad must improve to match their rivals. If the Timberwolves can successfully shed this inconsistent attitude and play with more joy for one another, they believe they have the necessary tools to finally overcome the defensive hurdles posed by stars like Wembanyama.

The veteran’s clarity regarding his future was shared by Christopher Hine on X, where he posted the guard’s definitive stance on retirement. “I think I might’ve proved to myself I can play a little longer,” Conley stated, a quote that quickly circulated among fans who were concerned that the 38-year-old might consider hanging up his jersey after this latest playoff run.

Conley has now spent parts of four seasons in Minnesota since being acquired via trade in 2023, becoming a vital mentor for the team’s younger core. Although his journey in 2026 was unique, including a brief stint being traded and eventually returning through the buyout market, he has solidified himself as a beloved leader in the locker room.

Conley’s long career stats

During the 2025-26 campaign, Conley adapted to a more specialized role, appearing in 54 regular-season games and averaging 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in about 18 minutes played. He remained a threat from deep, shooting nearly 34% from beyond the arc.

Over his 19-year NBA career, Conley has played in over 1,200 games and amassed more than 16,000 career points, a testament to his remarkable durability and consistent skill set. He entered the league as a top-four pick in 2007 and has maintained his reputation as one of the most respected floor generals in the game.

As he approaches unrestricted free agency this summer, there is a strong possibility of a reunion, especially with the Timberwolves facing several backcourt questions due to injuries and other departing free agents. Conley has expressed that he believes the current roster has enough talent to win it all.