John Konchar is set to become a free agent Monday at 5 p.m. ET after clearing waivers, according to Marc Stein. The Minnesota Timberwolves are using the stretch provision on Konchar after acquiring him from the Utah Jazz in the Josh Green trade.
Minnesota’s decision is directly tied to its effort to create enough financial flexibility to officially sign Jonathan Kuminga. The Timberwolves sent Green and cash to Utah for Konchar and Cody Williams, with Green’s $14.7 million salary representing the key outgoing contract.
Konchar, 30, split the 2025-26 season between Memphis and Utah, appearing in 56 games and making eight starts. He averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 19.9 minutes while shooting 47.2% from the field.
His production increased after joining the Jazz. In 26 games with Utah, Konchar averaged 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block in 26.2 minutes, although he shot just 25.0% from three-point range.
Across seven NBA seasons, Konchar has played 363 games with 65 starts. He owns career averages of 4.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 46.9% from the field and 34.9% from three.
Minnesota never intended to keep Konchar as part of its rotation. The Timberwolves acquired him primarily as part of the salary mechanics needed to move Green, while Williams, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is expected to remain with the team.
Williams gives Minnesota a younger developmental wing after averaging 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 67 games for Utah last season. He shot 46.8% overall but only 21.4% from three.
The larger objective remains Kuminga. Minnesota needed additional room beneath the second salary-cap apron after agreeing to a deal with the former Warriors forward, and moving Green’s contract followed by stretching Konchar creates the necessary flexibility.
The Timberwolves finished 49-33 last season, sixth in the Western Conference, before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the conference semifinals. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 28.8 points per game, while the offseason has reshaped the roster around Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and the expected addition of Kuminga.
Once Konchar clears waivers Monday, he will be free to sign with any team.
