Overview
- Kuminga agreed to a two-year deal reported at about $12–12.4 million with a 2027 player option and publicly announced his arrival to Minnesota on Thursday.
- At his introductory press availability Thursday he said he had "never played with anybody that can pass as good as LaMelo," after working out with the All-Star guard.
- Some fans read that praise as a slight toward former teammates Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, and the comment produced an immediate social-media backlash.
- Timberwolves leaders and reporters framed the quote around fit as the team readies for training camp and a preseason opener on Oct. 5, with media reporting Kuminga could see a starting frontcourt role alongside Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
- Kuminga turned down larger multi-year offers to sign a short-term deal as a bet on himself, a choice that could increase his market value if he shows offensive consistency and defensive growth in Minnesota next season.