Story perspectives

Timberwolves Sign Jonathan Kuminga to $12.4M Deal

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minnesota Timberwolves signed wing Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with a 2027-28 player option.
The deal uses Minnesota’s taxpayer mid-level exception, requiring a roster move to stay under the second apron.
The Wolves will waive-and-stretch Josh Green before Saturday to create cap space.
Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Kuminga averaged 13.7 points off the bench in Atlanta’s playoff loss.

History

Historical Context

After the 1999 CBA added a salary-cap exception (the $1 million bi-annual exception), the mid-level exception was refined, reaching $8.406 million for non-taxpaying teams in the 2017 CBA. The Minnesota Timberwolves used that taxpayer MLE to sign Jonathan Kuminga for $12.4 million, while the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million option, illustrating how teams balance talent and cap flexibility.

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Story summary

Minnesota Timberwolves signed wing Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with a 2027-28 player option.
The deal uses Minnesota’s taxpayer mid-level exception, requiring a roster move to stay under the second apron.
The Wolves will waive-and-stretch Josh Green before Saturday to create cap space.
Atlanta Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Kuminga averaged 13.7 points off the bench in Atlanta’s playoff loss.

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