When the Atlanta Hawks acquired Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga just before last season's trade deadline, it was nothing more than a low-risk bet on upside.
They didn't view him as a long-term piece, but if he showed enough in his limited time there, and offseason contract negotiations went well, maybe he could've been. It was a long-shot, but one worth taking. Why not, right?
Now, heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a team-friendly two-year deal, his immediate and future outlook appears significantly different - on paper and in the real world. While he wasn't viewed as a starter in Atlanta, he certainly will be in Minnesota. This is a major opportunity for the 23-year-old forward.
Kuminga will finally get the opportunity he's been searching for
Where he belongs in a nightly rotation has been a scorching-hot debate topic for several seasons, dating back to his years with the Warriors.
Potential aside, Steve Kerr wanted him in a specific role during his time in Golden State, but he and his camp believed he could contribute much more. His departure from there was inevitable, and fate brought him to Atlanta for his shortest career tenure of half a season.
In Atlanta, he was primarily in a sixth-man role. Kind of a step-up in responsibility, one could say.
Still, is a sixth-man worth committing major long-term money too? The Hawks certainly didn't think so, staying away from much of his free agency, allowing his camp to operate freely. Eventually, he took less annual money than orginally anticipated, but the situation he's entering is undeniably better.
In Minnesota, he'll get the starting nod at one of the forward positions, suiting up alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Given the pace they're likely looking to play with, Kuminga should, and likely will, fit right in. It'll be seamless, unless their opponents force them to let it fly from the outside.
Melo and Ant should have them covered there, at least.
This new role will better suit him for a sustainable career
There isn't much of an NBA lifespan for bench guys. Sure, the best of the best are able to stick around for a long time, but many are becoming replaceable.
A starter on a team with championship aspirations, however, is invaluable. If Kuminga can excel in this new role, he'll be set to earn a much higher payday the next time he hits free agency, which could be in 2028.
It's always been about situation for Kuminga. Maybe this will be the one.
Add us as a preferred source on Google