A new suitor has emerged for free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in Kuminga, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Kuminga appears to be an option they have pivoted to after LeBron James opted to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Any pursuit of Kuminga would likely be hamstrung by the fact that the Timberwolves are restricted in what they can actually offer him. Minnesota has a $6.06 million mid-level exception available, which is nowhere close to the $25 million annual deal that Kuminga has been reportedly seeking.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves could provide the biggest opportunity for Kuminga to flourish. He could theoretically step in as their starting power forward, which is a larger role than either the Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers could give him. Those two teams have been regarded as the most prominent suitors for Kuminga up to this point.
After being stuck in a frustratingly limited role with the Golden State Warriors, Kuminga got traded to the Atlanta Hawks last February. He did little with his newfound opportunity in Atlanta though, averaging 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game over just 16 total appearances. He had a $24.3 million team option for next season, but the Hawks chose to decline it.
