The decision is final. Jonathan Kuminga has moved on from Atlanta, locking in a 2-year, $13 million deal to join the Timberwolves. Sure, the Lakers were circling before the dust settled, but the path to Minnesota took shape first. Per reports, the contract details are now set in stone. It’s a modest price tag for a player who’s shown flashes of brilliance, yet it frees up the Hawks to actually build a real roster.
The Money Talks Loudest
Let’s break down the numbers. The deal sits at $13 million over two years. That’s a low-risk move for Minnesota, but it signals a distinct shift for Atlanta. The Hawks weren’t going to overpay for a guy who couldn’t find a consistent spot in the rotation. According to the timeline, The agreement finalized after Kuminga turned down a bigger offer from the Lakers, not because their interest cooled. Los Angeles was actually the most aggressive suitor throughout free agency and reportedly offered more money — a two-year, $20 million deal, or in other reports a three-year sign-and-trade worth $12 million-plus annually. Kuminga instead chose the smaller, shorter Timberwolves deal, betting on a clearer path to a starting role in Minnesota and another shot at free agency next summer. This wasn’t a case of the Lakers backing off — it was Kuminga picking a different opportunity over LA’s bigger offer.
Some might miss the potential, but the roster needs to change.
The Hawks have a young core that desperately needs room to grow. Keeping a player on a short leash who didn’t fit the system wasn’t the answer. Sports Illustrated noted that the departure was set well before the Timberwolves signed him. This means the front office had a plan all along. They knew exactly when to walk away. The $13 million deal proves that the market agrees with that assessment. It’s not a loss; it’s a strategic win that clears the way for new talent.
Now the focus shifts to filling the void. The Hawks have cap space that was tied up by this uncertainty. The next move must be bigger than a two-year stint. AJC.com reported on the contract history, showing how this split happened after a brief partnership. The team needs to use these funds to find a star who can stay. The $13 million deal with Minnesota closes one chapter.
