Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly has outlined a central role for Jonathan Kuminga in the team's offence, pairing the young swingman with new arrival LaMelo Ball. "He's as elite as it gets. He instantly becomes one of our best cutters," Connelly said. "He brings championship DNA; he sees it, he has done things we're aspiring to do. LaMelo's one of the best playmakers in the league, so if you combine his ability to get open with well-timed cuts, there are not many players better than Jonathan in our league."
Kuminga was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2021 and helped them win the championship as a rookie, though his tenure soured after reported clashes with head coach Steve Kerr. After a lengthy free agency this summer, in which Kuminga turned down better offers including one from the Los Angeles Lakers, he chose Minnesota. Connelly praised his "innate feel for getting open" and noted the 21-year-old's experience despite his age.
Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game last season. He joins a Minnesota roster that already features Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu. Kuminga holds a $6.3 million player option for next season, and both sides are aiming to make the most of the arrangement before he returns to free agency next summer.
