Finally, a resolution.
Jonathan Kuminga - the 23-year-old forward who spent last season with both the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks - is heading to a surprise Western Conference team.
The Minnesota Timberwolves - after a series of jaw-dropping moves - clearly aren't looking to slow down, inking Kuminga to a two-year, $13 million deal.
A deal with this little risk could've easily been met by his former squad, making it more obvious than before that Atlanta had zero interest in bringing him back. If the Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins acquisitions weren't enough to confirm it, the numbers on his new contract were. Undoubtedly.
Hawks already have a significant logjam at forward
Atlanta kicked off the summer for the entire NBA, going through with the first trade of the offseason - acquiring Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City.
An invaluable positionless contributor, bringing in Wiggins didn't have any sort of impact on their interest in bringing Kuminga back.
The 2026 NBA Draft, just days later, didn't necessarily eliminate the possibility either.
They drafted a point guard and two centers, although one of the centers - Zuby Ejiofor - could get a strong look at a forward rotation spot.
It was the unexpected Lu Dort acquisition at the tail-end of summer league that put the nail in the coffin. Adding Kuminga to a second-unit that already consisted of Wiggins, Dort, Ejiofor and Asa Newell would be a case of having too many chefs in the kitchen.
Plus, the acquisition put them at 17 rostered players, two above the limit. They'll need to get rid of two players before the season can begin, and if they added Kuminga, it would've made the decision even tougher. Three would've had to go.
While difficult, it could've been done, meaning the Hawks were simply ready to move on.
This should be a mutually-beneficial departure
Set in stone for quite awhile now, Kuminga finally landing with a new franchise should give him all the necessary motivation to earn a higher payday in his next free agency period.
He fits right into what the Timberwolves are attempting to construct - fast-paced, high-flying offense with real two-way potential.
The Hawks are doing their own thing, and Kuminga's efforts towards the end of last season shouldn't be forgotten. He held his own as a member of Atlanta's bench unit and has a very promising career ahead of him.
Best of luck, JK!
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