Jonathan Kuminga disputes talk of larger Lakers offer

Jonathan Kuminga says he didn’t leave Lakers money on the table to join the Timberwolves. At least not money that was actually offered.

During the Ball in the Family Podcast, Lonzo Ball’s manager, Darren Moore, said Kuminga contacted him directly after hearing discussion about his free-agent decision.

“He actually DM’d me, and to clear this out for everyone, I’m going to read it verbatim,” Moore said. “He said, ‘Gang, I saw the interview, and I never turned down no bread. None of that had ever been offered.’”

Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI highlighted the exchange, which challenges the idea that Kuminga rejected a larger Los Angeles offer to sign with Minnesota.

The rumored Lakers arrangement was a three-year, $36 million contract through a sign-and-trade with the Hawks. Kuminga instead signed a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Timberwolves that includes a player option for the second season.

There’s a meaningful difference between a contract structure discussed around the league and a formal offer placed in front of a player.

According to Kuminga’s message, the Lakers never placed that $36 million offer in front of him.

His Minnesota contract effectively gives him a one-year audition. Kuminga can play alongside Anthony Edwards, attempt to rebuild his value and return to free agency next summer by declining the option.

As Hoops Wire previously noted, Kuminga has called joining Minnesota “one of the best decisions” he has made.

Maybe flexibility drove that decision. Maybe basketball fit did. But if Kuminga’s account is accurate, he didn’t choose less money over the Lakers. He chose Minnesota over an offer that never arrived.