Timberwolves’ Jonathan Kuminga calls move ‘one of best decisions I’ve made’

Jonathan Kuminga didn’t exactly leave much room for interpretation during his introductory press conference with the Timberwolves.

“Just looking back, I think I would say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Kuminga said, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “Just looking at the roster, looking at the young group of guys they have and just seeing what they’ve done in the past.”

Kuminga officially joined Minnesota on a two-year, $12.4 million contract that includes a player option for next season. He accepted less money to join the Timberwolves after splitting last season between the Warriors and Hawks.

So this was never entirely about the biggest available check. It was about finding the right stage.

Minnesota gives Kuminga a chance to play meaningful minutes on a contender alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and core that’s already demonstrated it can win. It also gives him an opportunity to rebuild his market value and potentially return to free agency next summer.

Kuminga averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 36 games last season. His agent, Aaron Turner, went considerably further, arguing that Kuminga was Atlanta’s best player after arriving at the trade deadline. The Hawks apparently weren’t prepared to build around that assessment.

Now Kuminga gets a fresh opportunity in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves get a 23-year-old former lottery pick with plenty still to prove.

Everyone sounds thrilled in September. Kuminga now gets the chance to make this decision look just as good in May.