Jonathan Kuminga finally getting realistic about his value leads to best-case scenario

Jonathan Kuminga wanted $35M per season in an extension from the Golden State Warriors. He's finally getting realistic about his value.

The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed with Kuminga on a two-year, $13M contract with a player option in the second year. It doesn't meet his lofty financial expectations but might be the best place for Kuminga to rebuild his career.

Jonathan Kuminga demanded big money

The Warriors drafted Kuminga with the No. 7 pick in 2021. While he showed flashes of elite scoring talent during the first seasons of his career, he often fell out of Steve Kerr's rotations and struggled with defense and his outside shot. Still, he turned down a reported $30M-per-season rookie extension in 2024, seeking a deal worth $35M instead.

Kuminga's contract talks stretched almost to the beginning of the season in the summer of 2025, with the restricted free agent eventually agreeing to a two-year deal for $48.5M, with a team option on the second season — a deal designed to be traded. That happened at the deadline, with Kuminga headed to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

Even after the Hawks declined his option for 2026-27, Kuminga's expectations remained lofty. He turned down a reported two-year, $20M offer to join the Los Angeles Lakers, in hopes of getting $25M per season. Once again, he remained unsigned deep into the summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves are best situation for Jonathan Kuminga

While Kuminga has continually sought to be paid like a superstar, he hasn't played like one, whether due to his own deficiencies or the opportunities on his teams. He'll get a chance to prove himself with the Wolves.

Kuminga was a bad fit with the Warriors because Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green were ahead of him at forward, and none of three are good outside shooters. In Minnesota, there's no true power forward on the roster after the team traded Naz Reid and Julius Randle this summer. He should have every chance to carve out a huge role for himself on a team that's short on players and size.

If he succeeds in Minneapolis, Kuminga might finally prove he's worthy of the big money he's been seeking. For now, he's finally recognized where he stands in the NBA. And he finally has a chance to change that perception.