This NBA offseason was one of the most memorable in recent history. Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat, Jaylen Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, along with so many other major transactions.
One of the moves that was quite underrated was Jonathan Kuminga signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After trading away Julius Randle at the beginning of the offseason, the Timberwolves’ power forward position became a weak link. They weren’t comfortable moving Jaden McDaniels to the four, meaning they were likely going to have to make another move.
Minnesota eventually settled on signing Kuminga to a two-year, $12.43 million contract, with a player option for the second year. Kuminga will be given the chance to accept the option and spend another year in Minnesota, or become a free agent again. He chose the Timberwolves over teams like the Los Angeles Lakers so he could play freely without any pressure, and because of their new-look roster.
Kuminga wasn’t the only big addition to the team, because they also acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. Ball will join Anthony Edwards in the backcourt, forming one of the best offensive duos in the league.
Jonathan Kuminga takes a subtle shot at Stephen Curry’s passing
Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) moves the ball during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Today, Kuminga joined the Timberwolves staff for a press conference. This was his introduction to the media for the first time since the acquisition. During the press conference, Kuminga was asked about what most excites him about playing alongside Ball. And he took a subtle shot at Stephen Curry.
“His ability of passing the ball. I was watching him (Ball) work out yesterday, watching him do certain things, and just the way he passes the ball, it’s just incredible,” Kuminga said. “I’ve played with so many point guards in my career, but I’ve never played with somebody that can pass as good as LaMelo.”
It’s not Kuminga admitting the obvious that Ball is a great passer. It’s rather the shot he simultaneously takes at Stephen Curry. Kuminga spent his first four-and-a-half seasons with the Golden State Warriors playing alongside Curry.
Kuminga specifically mentions he has played with many point guards, but is that true? He spent his time with Curry, but other than that, he played 16 games for the Atlanta Hawks last season. He has really only ever played with two starting point guards, not including the reserves that he may have played with.
Kuminga’s time with the Warriors was never the best. His name was part of trade rumors; he would receive inconsistent minutes, and he never found his role. Kuminga proved to be a positive player, averaging 16 points a game in his third season. Unfortunately, his numbers have only decreased since then.
Curry is by no means known for his passing, but he is known for being an all-time great. Despite Curry’s identity revolving around his scoring ability, he still has averaged 6.3 assists per game throughout his lengthy career. Perhaps he is an underrated passer, and Kuminga said this to take a shot at Curry and the Warriors franchise for how their time together unfolded.
Kuminga seems excited to play alongside Ball, but that didn’t stop him from taking a jab at Curry.