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Timberwolves sign Jonathan Kuminga to $13M contract

8/29/2026

Summary

Kuminga Signs

Minnesota Timberwolves signed free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $13 million contract.
Kuminga selected Minnesota over offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
The contract uses the mid-level exception, forcing a roster move such as waiving Josh Green.
After trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the Wolves opened a starting power-forward spot for Kuminga.
Kuminga will start alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

Summary

Green’s Achilles Setback

Josh Green tore his Achilles tendon during the Timberwolves’ playoff run.
The injury makes his final-year contract unattractive, possibly requiring draft compensation for any trade partner.
Minnesota must decide by Saturday’s waive-and-stretch deadline, or risk $4.9 million dead money for three seasons.
Because the Wolves lack draft picks, teams may only absorb Green’s $14.7 million salary.
Analysts say Green cannot be paired with another player until September 10, after the waiver deadline.

History

Historical Context

In 1984-85 the NBA reinstated a soft salary cap of $4.6 million to promote parity. The league’s collective bargaining agreements include the mid-level exception, letting teams below the cap sign free agents without breaching the limit. The Timberwolves’ 2024 use of that exception for Jonathan Kuminga shows how the rule still shapes roster building.

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Kuminga Signs

Minnesota Timberwolves signed free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $13 million contract.
Kuminga selected Minnesota over offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.
The contract uses the mid-level exception, forcing a roster move such as waiving Josh Green.
After trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the Wolves opened a starting power-forward spot for Kuminga.
Kuminga will start alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

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