Jonathan Kuminga has chosen to join the Minnesota Timberwolves after rejecting an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. On 'The Draymond Green Show,' Draymond Green, Kuminga's former teammate, highlighted the potential risks associated with this decision. Green noted that joining a team with a lower-level salary, such as the taxpayer mid-level, could lead to scrutiny if the starting lineup struggles. He stated, 'the analytics say this group isn’t working that well together for whatever reason.'
Kuminga signed a two-year deal worth $12.4 million with the Timberwolves, which includes a player option. Reports indicate that the Lakers had offered him a three-year deal valued at up to $12 million per season. The Timberwolves currently have the sixth highest payroll in the NBA, with significant salaries allocated to players like LaMelo Ball ($40 million), Anthony Edwards ($48.9 million), and Rudy Gobert ($36.5 million). Jaden McDaniels also contributes to the payroll at $26 million, which may affect Kuminga's role on the team.
Green remarked that a $6.5 million salary in the NBA typically corresponds to a bench role, suggesting that a player's salary can influence their treatment by the team. He expressed concern that if the Timberwolves do not perform well at the start of the season, Kuminga could be the first player to be replaced. Kuminga has primarily been a reserve player in his career, notably with the Warriors, where he contributed to their fourth NBA title in 2022. Last season, he was traded from the Warriors to the Hawks, where he played in 16 games and started one.