Jonathan Kuminga has not played a game for the Minnesota Timberwolves yet, but his agent is already discussing what the forward’s next free-agency opportunity could look like.
Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with Minnesota in August, accepting a smaller deal and shorter commitment than he reportedly could have received elsewhere. The agreement includes a player option for 2027-28, giving him the ability to return to free agency after just one season with the Wolves.
That player option is now drawing fresh attention after Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, named two franchises while discussing the forward’s future during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
“Next year is a way better free agency year for him,” Turner said in the original Run It Back segment. Turner added that Sacramento and Chicago, two teams that previously explored acquiring Kuminga, should have significant cap space in 2027.
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The comments do not mean Kuminga has decided to leave Minnesota, nor do they confirm that the Kings or Bulls will pursue him next summer. But they do underscore the reality of his deal: Kuminga has a one-year opportunity to restore his value on a contender before potentially testing the market again.
That makes the 2026-27 season especially important for both sides.
For the Timberwolves, Kuminga fills an obvious need at power forward after the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Minnesota has built a new projected starting group around LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Kuminga and Rudy Gobert, and Kuminga offers the size and athleticism the team lacked at the position.
The 23-year-old also has a clear chance to prove that his upside can translate consistently to winning basketball. He averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games between Golden State and Atlanta last season. He also gave the Timberwolves a firsthand look at his ceiling when he averaged 20.8 points on 54% shooting against Minnesota during the Warriors’ 2025 playoff series loss.
3Jan 20, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) waits for the team to shoot free throws against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Minnesota built its pitch around more than minutes. In a separate Kevin O’Connor Show video, Turner explained that the Wolves sold Kuminga on a defined starting role, defensive responsibility and an environment in which he could play through mistakes.
That opportunity mattered enough for Kuminga to choose Minnesota over larger offers. The Wolves offered a chance to start for a Western Conference contender, play with Edwards and Ball, and rebuild his market value after a turbulent stretch with the Warriors and Hawks.
Turner’s recent media appearances, however, have ensured that Kuminga’s contract situation will remain part of the conversation.
On the Kevin O’Connor Show’s full episode, Turner defended Kuminga’s path and argued that the player option gives his client valuable flexibility. The agent has maintained that basketball fit–not merely the largest immediate salary–will put Kuminga in the best position to earn a larger deal later.
Kuminga will put that argument to the test in Minnesota.
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If Kuminga becomes a reliable two-way starter, helps the Timberwolves contend and thrives alongside Edwards, Ball, McDaniels and Gobert, Minnesota could have a strong case to keep him beyond this season. The Wolves would also have more leverage to make the partnership last than Turner’s early free-agency comments might suggest.
But if Kuminga breaks out, the player option gives him an easy path back to market. Sacramento and Chicago may be only examples of teams with projected cap room for now, yet Turner’s decision to bring them up so soon after the signing makes one thing clear.
Kuminga’s Minnesota tenure is a high-upside bet for both sides. It could become a long-term answer at power forward—or a one-year showcase that sends him elsewhere in 2027.