Jonathan

Kuminga

Anthony Edwards’ knee injury and subsequent surgery created more scoring opportunities for the entire Timberwolves rotation, but Kuminga’s production has been inconsistent. Over the last five games, he’s alternated between single- and double-digit scoring efforts. Given the trend, Kuminga was due for a solid performance on Wednesday, and he recorded a complete stat line. Fantasy managers will hope Kuminga can build on this night when the Timberwolves visit the Pelicans on Friday.

After attempting just six shots in Friday’s win over the Clippers, Kuminga got up 19 on Saturday. His percentage wasn’t great, but the shot volume should be there while the Timberwolves await Anthony Edwards’ return from knee surgery. The same goes for Jaden McDaniels, who finished Saturday’s defeat with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers.

Ayo Dosunmu is not getting all of Ant’s usage. Kuminga will get a bump which will likely lead to more performances like this one. Kuminga signed with the Wolves to show more of what he can do, and he had an opportunity tonight. You don’t expect the assists with Kuminga, but it was a nice boost tonight. He is someone to keep an eye on and might be worth a grab depending on your league.

So much for Edwards being listed as questionable on the Timberwolves’ initial injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Warriors. He’ll reportedly need to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and could miss up to two months. While the timeline isn’t guaranteed, fantasy managers can stash Edwards on the IL until he’s cleared to return. As alternatives, Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. should see more opportunities, and starters Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga should too.

Kuminga’s gotten off to a good start in Minnesota, providing consistent supplementary scoring as a starter for the Timberwolves. He won’t get many shots in a lineup headlined by Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Jaden McDaniels, but he’ll have enough opportunities to provide reliable value. Rostered in 56 percent of Yahoo leagues, JK has been a top-100 player in category leagues so far.

After agreeing to a two-year deal with the Timberwolves in late August, Kuminga started on Wednesday. He wasn’t a reliable fantasy option with the Warriors or Hawks, but that may change in Minnesota. Kuminga took 10 shots against the Heat and recorded a complete stat line in 30 minutes. Given the role, he’s worth a look in 12-team leagues if on the waiver wire.

Signed to a two-year deal in late August, Kuminga was the Timberwolves’ fifth starter on Monday. While he didn’t have a prolific outing in his unofficial debut, the opportunity to start gives JK a clearer path to fantasy relevance. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu (five points, three rebounds and one three-pointer) offers a higher fantasy floor than Kuminga, especially in category leagues. However, JK is worth watching if he remains in the starting lineup.

Kuminga’s free agency saga is over as he joins a contender where he’ll likely have a starting role. Kuminga’s deal has a player option in Year 2, giving him the chance to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

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.