Latest Jonathan Kuminga Rumors Reveal New Team Targeting Star After Failed LeBron Pursuit

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly entered the mix for free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Minnesota has expressed interest in Kuminga, as its starting power forward role is available, and it can offer him the $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

The Timberwolves were among the teams in the mix for LeBron James before he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers last week.

James' agent, Rich Paul, divulged on his Game Over podcast (h/t ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk) that LeBron considered the T-Wolves until he got down to his final four choices.

Per Scotto, the Timberwolves are far from alone in their pursuit of Kuminga, as both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are in on him as well.

Minnesota may be fighting an uphill battle as well since L.A. and Cleveland are capable of offering Kuminga a more substantial salary.

Scotto noted that the Lakers have given Kuminga a "significantly higher" and longer-term deal than the T-Wolves, while the Cavs can offer a "significantly higher" salary as well as part of a potential sign-and-trade.

Kuminga, 23, was originally selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2021 NBA draft.

He spent parts of his first five NBA seasons with the Warriors, winning a championship in 2022. However, Golden State moved on from him during the 2025-26 campaign, trading him to the Atlanta Hawks.

Kuminga seemed poised to become a star when he broke out with a career-high 16.1 points per game, while shooting 52.9 percent from the field in 2023-24, but he never managed to build upon that performance.

Although Kuminga still averaged 15.3 points per game the following season, his efficiency dropped off significantly, as he shot just 45.4 percent from the floor.

Injuries limited Kuminga to 36 games last season, and after just 20 games with the Dubs, he was traded to the Hawks.

All told, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting to go along with a career-high 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Kuminga seemingly has a ton of potential that he hasn't yet realized, which likely explains why multiple playoff contenders are vying for him.

Minnesota could be a strong fit in Minnesota after the Timberwolves made a big move this offseason by acquiring guard LaMelo Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

The T-Wolves have two star-caliber ball-handlers in Anthony Edwards and Ball, plus some other quality pieces in the form of center Rudy Gobert, guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Jaden McDaniels.

Kuminga would bring an explosive element and additional offensive talent, but it is fair to wonder if Minnesota has the financial flexibility needed to make a deal happen.