Since Jonathan Kuminga chose to sign with the Timberwolves on Wednesday, the question that everybody has been asking is “Why?”
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, appeared on the Fan Duel show “Run it Back” and explained why they chose the Timberwolves and also what happened with the rumored three-year, $75 million extension with the Warriors.
“With the [three-year, $75 million deal] it was to me, he had to get to a spot to make long-term money, or past this contract, where the basketball was set,” Turner said. “With the basketball comes the money, right? If you understand this business, it’s ‘If it’s a good basketball fit, the money follows.’ The money coming before the basketball is not really how you’re going to continue to make more and more money.”
Turner said if Kuminga took a longer deal, he would no longer have control of his future and insisted that he would have less control. Last season, when he was traded ahead of the NBA trade deadline, Kuminga didn’t have a choice in being moved to the Hawks.
Kuminga’s deal with the Timberwolves is for two years and worth up to $12.4 million, including player options after the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Turner said next year’s free-agency option gives Kuminga higher leverage when looking for the right contract that fits him.
“There’s a lot of teams with money, and if you’ve paid attention to JK’s recruiting saga over the last few years, those teams that have been trying to sign and trade for him, Sacramento, Chicago, these teams have a lot of money next year,” Turner said. “Who knows, but the game board is set very, very well for JK for 2027.”
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After Kuminga chose the Timberwolves, NBA ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Lakers had a sign-and-trade offer “that would have been in excess of three years for at least $12 million per year.”
Draymond Green gave a warning to Kuminga about the deal he took with Minnesota; as he alluded to, Kuminga could see his role reduced if the team struggles early in the season.
If Kuminga doesn’t perform up to expectations, he and Turner could likely see their high payday go down the drain.
