NBA rumors: Timberwolves’ problem as they enter Jonathan Kuminga chase with Lakers, Cavs

Jonathan Kuminga has till date refused to sign for a team in free agency despite generating interest from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both times are operating under different financial situations, with the Cavs understood to be exploring a sign-and-trade for the player.

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves have also recently expressed interest in Kuminga, per HoopsHype, but operate under financial restrictions of their own. The Timberwolves have access to a $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception, but the Lakers have a higher financial offer and a longer contract on the table.

Minnesota missed out on LeBron James and still have the PF slot open for a player of Kuminga’s caliber, which means that despite potentially offering the better basketball fit, the other two teams are understood to be ahead. Kuminga arrived to the Atlanta Hawks after being traded alongside Buddy Hield by the Golden State Warriors in exchange of Kristaps Porzingis.

He signed a 2-year, $46 million deal with the Warriors at the end of last season after holding out for a number of weeks. A similar situation has arisen this time around, with Kuminga understood to have been unwilling to commit long-term on a deal that he deemed less than what he is worth.

Further, while his initial demand was for a $20 million a year deal, he is also known to be unwilling to sign a three-year contract, which is a requisite for any sign-and-trade under NBA rules. That is a further complication for the Cavs in particular, who need a sign-and-trade in order to make the acquisition happen.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are understood to have had a $20 million, 2-year deal rejected by Kuminga, which still makes them the most plausible of the three destinations. This is because the Timberwolves cannot offer the same kind of money, with Kuminga’s camp understood to be patient also because they expect further potential movement in the free agency market.

Hence, unless a new team with better financial limits expresses interest, the Lakers appear to be the most plausible destination for the former Warriors star as of now.

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