Lakers catch stray during Jonathan Kuminga introductory press conference

Jonathan Kuminga kept it honest during his introductory presser with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday afternoon.

“I wanted to go to a winning culture,” Kuminga said after he was asked about his priority, despite having opportunities to sign with other teams for money.

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While his comments were not directly aimed at the Los Angeles Lakers, they came after ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed he was offered a 3-year deal for $12 million per season in LA.

Jonathan Kuminga explains why he chose to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the offseason. AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt

Instead, Kuminga signed a 2-year deal that will pay him $6 million per season and includes an option after his first season.

Kuminga said that leading into his decision, he spoke to players and members of front offices of the teams that were interested in him, but felt that the Timberwolves had “the type of vibe I was looking for.”

“I asked God to guide me and give me the best decision, and I think this was the best decision for me,” Kuminga said. “… I think this was one of the best winning cultures I could actually have of all the options.”

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After Kuminga signed with the Timberwolves, his agent, Aaron Turner, appeared on the Fan Duel Show “Run it Back” and said that the decision came down to the opportunity Kuminga will have as a full-time starter.

Los Angeles Lakers catch stray during Jonathan Kuminga introdcutory press conference. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Through his five-year career, Kuminga has primarily served as a sixth man, coming off the bench.

Turner noted that with this opportunity, and if Kuminga elects to enforce his player option next season, he will have more leverage for a higher contract next offseason.

Kuminga’s former teammate, Draymond Green, said his decision to spurn the Lakers could get dicey in the future, as he could find himself going back to his role, coming off the bench, if the Warriors start losing games.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-catch-stray-during-jonathan-220713219.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-10 22:07:00

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