Timberwolves’ projected starting 5 after Jonathan Kuminga move

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Timberwolves’ projected starting 5 after Jonathan Kuminga move

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Zachary Draves, ClutchPoints | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 8:22 PM ET

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year $13 million contract. As a result, the team added a big name to their traveling circus.

Many are expecting the Timberwolves to make waves in a competitive Western Conference, which includes the Spurs and Thunder. With the addition of Kuminga, Timberwolves’ Muse projected the starting lineup to look as such:

Lamelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Kuminga, and Rudy Gobert. The likes of Ayo Dosunmu, Joan Beringer, Jaylen Clark, Bones Hyland, and Josh Green are expected to come off the bench. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo is expected to miss the season due to an Achilles injury.

Timberwolves 2026 lineup:

Lamelo | Ant | Jaden | Kuminga | Rudy

Ayo | TJ | Joan | Clark | Lyles | Bones | Green

Donte DiVincenzo will return later in the year

— Timberwolves Muse (@Wolvesmuse) August 26, 2026

Now, Kuminga has the free agency headache behind him. He is coming off a season in which he played for both the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Altogether, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He also shot 46.3% from the field.

Kuminga, 23, was one of the last remaining top players in free agency before signing with Minnesota.

As far as the starting lineup goes, you can’t go wrong with it.

First off, the combination of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards in the backcourt is as explosively dynamic as all get up. They can push the tempo with the help of Gobert hitting the boards on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Kuminga can provide additional spacing and can run the floor in transition, finishing by attacking the rim.

McDaniels adds a dimension of defensive versatility while locking it down at the four spot.

Overall, the Timberwolves will be hard to catch up with.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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