Full Breakdown
Josh Green Traded to Utah Jazz as Minnesota Clears Salary Space
8/29/2026, 11:39:51 AM
Core Trade Details
On August 29, 2026, reports indicated that the Minnesota Timberwolves will send guard Josh Green and cash considerations to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie guard Cody Williams (the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft) and veteran forward John Konchar. The Timberwolves plan to retain Williams and waive-and-stretch Konchar, while the Jazz acquire Green to bolster their 3-and-D wing depth. The move frees Green’s $14.7 million contract, creating salary-cap space for Minnesota to sign forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $12.4 million deal under the mid-level exception.
Background & Context
Josh Green entered Minnesota’s roster on July 10 when the Timberwolves acquired him from the Charlotte Hornets as part of the trade that sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Green, a 25-year-old Australian who also represented the Boomers at the Olympics, appeared in a July 14, 2026 press conference alongside Ball at the Target Center. Minnesota’s front office, led by head coach Chris Finch, has been reshaping the roster to accommodate new acquisitions, notably the signing of Kuminga.
Data & Statistics
- Josh Green (2025-26): 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds per game; 42 % three-point shooting in 58 games.
- Cody Williams (2025-26): 8.8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists per game over 67 games, with 41 starts.
- John Konchar (2025-26): 4.4 points, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals per game across 56 games split between Utah and Memphis.
- Salary implications: Green’s $14.7 million contract is removed, enabling the Timberwolves to allocate the mid-level exception to Kuminga’s $12.4 million two-year contract.
*Sources: Shams Charania (NBA reporting), TheScore (player statistics).*
Official Statements & Responses
The trade was confirmed by NBA reporter Shams Charania, who detailed the salary-cap rationale and the Jazz’s interest in adding a 3-and-D wing.
Why It Matters
- Cap flexibility: By shedding Green’s contract, Minnesota clears sufficient space to add Kuminga, a former first-overall pick whose presence is expected to strengthen the frontcourt.
- Jazz roster depth: Utah gains a proven perimeter defender in Green, addressing a need for additional 3-and-D capability as the team targets a higher standing in the Western Conference.
- Strategic roster shaping: The waiver-and-stretch of Konchar provides the Timberwolves with longer-term financial relief, while retaining the promising rookie Williams for future development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's a guy who's been in this league a long time, been to the Finals and can fit and gel with many different lineups,” — Chris Finch
What's Next
- The Timberwolves are slated to finalize Kuminga’s two-year, $12.4 million contract under the mid-level exception in the coming weeks.
- Utah will integrate Green into its rotation ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Jazz’s coaching staff expected to define his role on the defensive end.
