Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent Explains Why He Bet on 2027 Free Agency Over Warriors Deal

· Yahoo Sports

Jonathan Kuminga has closed one of the strangest free agency runs of his career by signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The move comes months after his February trade from Golden State to  Atlanta Hawks and a first-round playoff exit against the Knicks.

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Now settled with a new franchise, Kuminga’s camp is opening up about a bold financial call made a year earlier, one that still shapes how his side views the road ahead.

Why Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent Turned Down Bigger Money

Kuminga’s representative, Aaron Turner, appeared on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back alongside Chandler Parsons to break down why his client rejected a three-year, $75 million extension from the Golden State Warriors last offseason.

That contract, offered during restricted free agency, would have guaranteed Kuminga significantly more money than the two-year, $48.5 million deal he ultimately signed. Turner has stood by the choice ever since, arguing that immediate cash was never the priority.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (1) dribbles upcourt against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

“Money coming before basketball is not how you continue to make more and more money. … Next year is a way better free agency year for him…teams that have been trying to sign-and-trade for him, like Sacramento and Chicago, will have a lot of money,” Aaron Turner said.

The logic centered on control rather than upfront value. Kuminga wanted flexibility to leave Golden State on his own terms, and the shorter deal opened that door once the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million option in June.

That decision triggered unrestricted free agency and eventually led him to Minnesota, where a fresh contract awaited alongside a very different set of teammates.

Jonathan Kuminga’s New Beginning in Timberwolves

Kuminga is now locked into a two-year, $13 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a deal that includes a player option for the second season. It is a modest number for a former No. 7 overall pick, but it fits neatly with Turner’s stated plan of chasing a stronger payday down the line.

New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) shoots past Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The fit itself looks promising early on. Kuminga slots in as the starting power forward next to Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, filling a hole left after Minnesota moved on from Julius Randle and Naz Reid.

Kuminga picked Minnesota over a reported offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, betting that fit and role mattered more than a bigger head start. That question will start getting answered once the regular season begins.

Kuminga now begins a fresh chapter with the Timberwolves as they open training camp on September 22. If the fit clicks, Turner’s gamble on patience could still pay off big when Kuminga hits the market again in 2027.

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