NBA Notes: Cavs, Jonathan Kuminga, Suns, Dillon Brooks, Timberwolves

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers may have missed on LeBron James, but Chase Brownawell of Cavs On SI argues Jonathan Kuminga could still give the offseason a much-needed lift.

Kuminga, a free agent who ended last season with the Hawks, remains one of the more intriguing young wings potentially available. Brownawell’s case centers largely on defense.

The 23-year-old has already played five NBA seasons, owns championship experience from his Warriors days and showed in Atlanta that he can defend multiple positions. That’s especially appealing for a Cleveland team built around Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in the backcourt.

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen give the Cavs plenty of size inside. Brownawell argues Kuminga could give them somebody capable of taking tougher perimeter assignments.

There would still be complications.

Kuminga’s asking price remains significant, and a sign-and-trade with Atlanta would likely require Cleveland to send out players and draft compensation. Brownawell mentions Max Strus, Dennis Schroder and Sam Merrill as possibilities.

Peyton Watson remains another option on Cleveland’s radar.

The larger point: Kuminga may no longer be Plan A, but Brownawell believes he’d still fill an obvious need and qualify as a meaningful offseason addition.

Suns

Dillon Brooks isn’t being shy about what he wants from the Suns.

“Championship is all on my mind,” Brooks told The Arizona Republic after signing a three-year, $73 million extension with Phoenix.

Donnie Druin of Suns On SI writes that Brooks has quickly become an important part of the team’s identity.

Brooks brought his usual defensive edge along with scoring last season and earned praise from coach Jordan Ott for the tone he sets behind the scenes.

Ott specifically pointed to Brooks’ work habits, saying his willingness to consistently be in the gym has rubbed off on teammates.

That helps explain why Phoenix was willing to make a significant commitment.

Brooks is now under contract through 2028-29 and will remain part of a core that also features Devin Booker and Jalen Green.

The Suns still have plenty to prove, but Brooks clearly doesn’t view simply making the playoffs as the goal.

Timberwolves

Tim Connelly has rarely been afraid to make a major move in Minnesota.

Ben Beecken of Timberwolves On SI argues his latest pivot, acquiring LaMelo Ball to pair with Anthony Edwards, might eventually prove to be one of his best.

Beecken traces Connelly’s tenure through several major roster changes, beginning with the blockbuster Rudy Gobert trade, followed by the Mike Conley acquisition, the Karl-Anthony Towns deal and now the move for Ball.

His argument is essentially that Connelly has repeatedly accepted short-term risk in exchange for raising Minnesota’s ceiling or floor.

The Ball trade is the latest example. When healthy, Ball has shown he can drive an elite offense. Beecken notes that Charlotte ranked first offensively from Jan. 1 through the end of last season, with Ball playing a central role.

Pair that with Gobert’s defensive impact and Edwards’ star power, and Beecken sees the ingredients for one of the better teams in the league.

There are obvious concerns. Minnesota sacrificed considerable depth in reshaping the roster, losing Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Conley, and there’s still a question at power forward.

Still, Beecken points to Connelly’s broader track record. The Timberwolves have remained a playoff team through multiple major roster changes, including consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals before last season’s second-round exit. The gamble now is pretty straightforward.

If Ball stays healthy, Minnesota may have enough offensive firepower to take another step. If he doesn’t, Connelly has far fewer assets available for another dramatic pivot.