Here’s how badly Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves wanted Jonathan Kuminga

The Minnesota Timberwolves became even more formidable after adding Jonathan Kuminga in free agency. The signing seemingly came out of left field, as the Timberwolves were not among the teams heavily linked to Kuminga.

A starting unit of Kuminga, Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert can do major damage in the Western Conference.

In a report from The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski and Sam Amick, the Timberwolves flew under the radar in talking to Kuminga. Apparently, Tim Connelly, the team’s president of basketball operations, had “extended conversations” with the 23-year-old wingman, including “flying to Miami for a face-to-face meeting.”

Krawczynski and Amick added that Edwards also had a big hand in convincing Kuminga to join the Timberwolves.

“Edwards called Kuminga throughout the summer, letting him know that the face of the franchise had his back as Kuminga considered other suitors, including the (Los Angeles) Lakers, Chicago (Bulls), Portland (Trail Blazers), and Cleveland, before the Cavaliers traded for Peyton Watson. Several other Wolves players reached out to Kuminga as well,” wrote Krawczynski and Amick.

Kuminga became a free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined to pick up his $24.3 million team option. The former No. 7 pick agreed to a two-year deal worth $13 million with Minnesota.

In 16 games with the Hawks, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He seemed like a good fit for Atlanta, but alas, the team did not see it that way.

The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were enamored of Kuminga’s high upside.