While he acknowledges there are some question marks about Jonathan Kuminga‘s game (e.g. his outside shot and “overall decision-making”), Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports believes signing the free agent forward was a worthwhile gamble for the Timberwolves and thinks the move has a chance to work out well for both sides.

Minnesota’s decision to go all-in on perimeter talent — trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid in the process — left a void at power forward. Iko considers Kuminga a clear upgrade over Randle and Reid defensively, particularly in terms of versatility, and notes that the former No. 7 overall pick is a strong finisher and cutter who’s good at getting to the free throw line.

Although he’ll almost certainly be asked to play a complementary off-ball role if he starts, Kuminga could also play a higher-usage offensive role when Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball are off the floor, Iko observes. Kuminga has said in the past that he views himself as a future All-Star.

Ultimately, Iko argues that adding Kuminga on a two-year, $12.4MM deal with a second-year player option is a “low-cost, potentially high-impact move” for a Minnesota team that aspires to win its first championship in 2026/27.

Here’s more on the Timberwolves:

The Wolves currently have no intention of trading Donte DiVincenzo and are cautiously optimistic he may be able to return to action near the end of the 2026/27 campaign, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on the Hoop Collective podcast (YouTube link). “In talking to people in Minnesota this week, we were discussing team expectations heading into the season,” Windhorst said (hat tip to RealGM). “Specifically around guys coming off torn Achilles. … The idea that the Timberwolves can count on Dante for significant contributions this year is unrealistic, and I don’t think they are. That said, after covering the NBA for 24 years, you learn how these situations play out: while Minnesota isn’t putting any official expectations or pressure on his timeline, they harbor a quiet hope that he could return before the end of the season and give them something. And to be clear, they have no plans to trade him.”
Windhorst’s comments about DiVincenzo are noteworthy because the Wolves are reportedly considering going the waive-and-stretch route with Josh Green‘s $14.68MM expiring contract, which would result in $4.89MM annual cap hits through 2028/29. Those cap savings would give Minnesota enough room beneath its second-apron hard cap to sign Kuminga using the taxpayer mid-level exception. DiVincenzo will earn $12.35MM in 2026/27, the final season of his deal.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic takes a closer look at new majority owner Marc Stad, who will be buying his shares from Marc Lore. Stad is “private by nature” and said in an interview with his alma mater, Harvard, that he was the first person in his family to graduate from high school, Krawczynski writes. Stad also said he didn’t have enough money to buy a coat in his first winter in Cambridge, but now his technology-focused investment firm, Dragoneer Investment Group, controls over $35 billion in assets. According to Krawczynski’s sources, while Stad’s wife Elisa will serve as team governor to allow Stad to focus on Dragoneer, he will be “heavily involved” in all of the organization’s decisions.