It’s almost September and Jonathan Kuminga is still a free agent. They’re playing with son. Kuminga’s trapped in a vortex, his career trajectory not in his hands. Dennis Schroder lives in this vortex, never knowing where he’ll work less, always less money offered each time he arrives.
Steve Kerr didn’t want Kuminga on the roster—refusing to highlight any of his strength, demanding Jonathan dim himself to fit into the Warriors scheme—something they did not ask of Jordan Poole, who was instrumental in winning that championship in ’22.
Kuminga dribbled the ball, Kerr would only speak to him through messages in a bottle for the next 3 weeks.
The Atlanta Hawks seem okay with any sign-and-trade, in no hurry to bring him back at all. The Lakers want him but basically for free.
The NBA wants Kuminga to play on minimum wage, when I know he’s more than capable of averaging 20 points in this league—off fastbreak buckets alone.
I know the Matt Barnes’s and Cam Johnson’s, NBA player podcasters, will tell Kuminga to star in his role, stop trying to be the leading scorer.
Nah b, hit the gym all summer, come back next season and become an undeniable isolation scorer. Will yourself into superstardom while these GMs act like they don’t want an energetic 6-foot-7 wing getting buckets on their payroll.
I wrote all of that last week for a blog 10 NBA Players I Hope Lock Themselves in the Lab This Summer, posted earlier today. Go read that too, while you’re here.
Then he found a home…
Jonathan Kuminga, the lone wolf, trapped in NBA purgatory, confident in his game, knowing he’s talented enough to get paid but unable to find an organization willing to agree on that paid part, signs a 2-year $13m deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In Minnesota, Kuminga gets a starting role alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Ruby Gobert and the newly acquired LaMelo Ball.
[RELATED: Trade Grades: Minnesota Timberwolves Add All-Star Point Guard LaMelo Ball]
The perfect landing spot for a player who’s been treated less than his entire career. Whether it be the unlikable Rudy Gobert, the COVID-19 human vector point or moody Julius Randle, guys get into the trenches with Anthony Edwards and go to war.
The lane’s open. Whether it be LaMelo or Kuminga, Edwards needs a dance partner and Kuminga will benefit from playing in a serious environment with guys his age who trust him.
This is lowkey one of my favorite signings of the summer.
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