Jonathan Kuminga joins Timberwolves after turning down Lakers offer: report

Jonathan Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his agent Aaron Turner told ESPN on Wednesday.

The deal includes a player option for the second season and gives the 23-year-old an opportunity to return to free agency next summer.

Kuminga reportedly chose Minnesota over offers from the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers had proposed a sign-and-trade deal worth more than $12 million annually over three years, according to ESPN.

Minnesota is expected to give Kuminga an opportunity to start at power forward alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

Edwards reportedly played an active role in recruiting Kuminga, while Timberwolves president Tim Connelly travelled to Miami for a four-hour meeting with him earlier this month.

Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $24.3 million team option in June.

The Golden State Warriors, who selected Kuminga seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, traded him to Atlanta for Kristaps Porzingis in February.

Kuminga averaged 13.7 points in 26 minutes per game during Atlanta's six-game first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks last season.