The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a potential suitor for restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but their financial limitations could prevent them from making a competitive offer.
Timberwolves reporter Jon Krawczynski discussed Minnesota’s interest after Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the team had entered the Kuminga market. Krawczynski explained that the Wolves are willing to explore available players at positions of need but acknowledged that their salary situation creates a major obstacle.
“There was a report from my friend Michael Scotto at HoopsHype last week that the Wolves have emerged as a team that has expressed interest in Jonathan Kuminga,” Krawczynski said on The Jon Krawczynski Show, via HoopsHype. “What I can say to that is very much similar to a lot of the scenarios out there with many free agents over the years. When someone is available, especially at a position of need, yes, the Wolves are interested in trying to get involved in the sweepstakes there.”
The challenge for Minnesota is that it currently has limited spending power. According to Krawczynski, the Timberwolves can only offer Kuminga the minimum contract, while Kuminga’s camp has been seeking a much larger salary.
“What is going to be very difficult for them in this scenario is that they only have a minimum offer to extend to Jonathan Kuminga,” Krawczynski said. “One of the things that has been made clear by Kuminga’s camp to anyone that is expressing interest in him is that he wants a good chunk of money.”
Kuminga’s asking price reportedly started above $20 million annually before the free-agent market slowed, but Krawczynski does not see a realistic path for Minnesota to reach that range.
“It is hard for me to see a scenario where the Wolves get involved at anything over the minimum. I just do not see any really avenues for them to get involved that way,” he said.
Minnesota’s interest is understandable after the team created a vacancy at starting power forward this offseason. Julius Randle, who started all 79 games last season and averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal that brought LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves.
Kuminga would provide athleticism and defensive versatility alongside Minnesota’s new-look core featuring Anthony Edwards and Ball. Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points per game last season while shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range over 61 games.
The 23-year-old forward remains one of the most intriguing young players available. After being traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks during the 2025-26 season, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field in 16 games with Atlanta.
During his 2023-24 season with Golden State, Kuminga averaged 16.1 points on 52.9% shooting, showcasing his ability to attack the basket, finish in transition and defend multiple positions. Across five NBA seasons, he has averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers remain better positioned financially in the Kuminga pursuit. The Lakers reportedly have a larger contract offer available, while Cleveland could use a sign-and-trade structure to create a more competitive package.
Minnesota finished the 2025-26 season with a 49-33 record, earned the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and reached the conference semifinals before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games. Adding Kuminga would address a clear roster need, but the Timberwolves may have to look elsewhere unless the market changes significantly.
