Jonathan Kuminga inks 2-year deal with Wolves

Kuminga hit unrestricted free agency after the Hawks declined to pick up his $24.3 million option for the 2026-27 season. The former Warriors lottery pick remains without a team, but there has been interest. While a return to Atlanta is possible, the Lakers and Cavaliers also expressed interest in signing Kuminga, but both teams would likely require a sign-and-trade to get a deal done. Now, Minnesota has reportedly joined the mix after missing out on LeBron James, who chose to sign with the 76ers. With the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the Timberwolves can use another forward, even if Kuminga does not have the size of a traditional power forward. And going to Minnesota could give Kuminga a chance to start, which may not be the case with the other reported options.

While there is mutual interest between the Lakers and Kuminga, who is an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his option, the two sides are reportedly far apart on a deal. With the Lakers’ activity at the start of free agency, they’re limited in how much money they can spend to fill their remaining roster spot. In fact, the Lakers would have to shed $20 million to pay Kuminga $10 million annually, and that price tag won’t get the job done. As a result, it’s been reported that the Lakers are interested in a sign-and-trade that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick to Atlanta. While Vanderbilt offers limited offensive production at best, he is a solid defender. However, his contract combined with a future first-round pick may not be all that appealing to the Hawks. Cleveland is also reportedly interested in Kuminga, but the chase for LeBron James takes priority for the Cavaliers.

With Kuminga’s $24.33 million option, it’s unsurprising the Hawks declined to exercise it. According to multiple reports, the front office attempted to find a trade partner but failed, leading to this transaction. Acquired from the Warriors, Kuminga appeared in 16 games for Atlanta, averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in 22.1 minutes. While he had his moments of fantasy relevance, especially with the Warriors, Kuminga likely needs to land in a position where he’ll be featured to be worth the risk in most drafts.

The Hawks’ most efficient scorer came off the bench on Thursday. Kuminga, acquired by Atlanta ahead of February’s trade deadline, showcased his big-game experience, finishing as one of three Hawks players to score 20 or more points in Game 3. Kuminga is averaging 20.0 points on 16-of-26 shooting in Atlanta’s two wins this series, compared to 8.0 points on 3-of-7 shooting in losses. He’ll have a chance to remain impactful in Saturday’s fourth game of the series.

Kuminga’s play in Game 2 was one of the underlying reasons why the Hawks came back to even the series. The Hawks’ forward shot 6-of-8 from inside the arc, and his defensive ability allowed Atlanta to keep Dyson Daniels (6/4/2/2/1) on the bench in crunch time. As a result, there was no one on the court the Knicks could hide Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns on defensively, which factored into CJ McCollum taking over late. Kuminga played 35 minutes on Monday, and that may also be the case for Game 3 on Thursday.

Kuminga and Vincent join the long list of Hawks who won’t be available for Sunday’s regular-season finale. Given the absences, this should be a spot where Buddy Hield figures prominently in the rotation, possibly as a starter.

Okongwu and Kuminga sitting out Sunday’s regular-season finale would free up rotation minutes for multiple players. That includes Zaccharie Risacher, whose playing time has decreased with Kuminga in the fold, Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.

Johnson and McCollum may sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, as the Hawks can finish no worse than sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, even with a loss. If available, Jonathan Kuminga is one player who may take on a heavier workload on Sunday, which makes him an intriguing option in active fantasy leagues.

After playing seven minutes in Monday’s loss to the Knicks, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft did not play at all on Wednesday. Jonathan Kuminga has seemingly absorbed the minutes that once went to Risacher. Logging 30 minutes, Kuminga finished with 24 points (11-of-20 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, three assists and two three-pointers. An afterthought in fantasy basketball since the All-Star break, it’s fair to wonder about Risacher’s future in Atlanta, especially if he racks up more DNP-CDs during the postseason.

After scoring 20 points or more in two of his first three games as a Hawk, Kuminga entered Wednesday having scored 16 or fewer in each of his last 11 appearances. Injuries have been a factor, but the former Warriors lottery pick has also battled inconsistency. Kuminga’s performance against the Cavaliers was a glimpse of what he’s capable of when locked in, and the Hawks will need to see that version consistently during the postseason.