The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year contract valued at approximately $12.4 million. This roster move has triggered a cascade of financial and strategic adjustments across the NBA, particularly for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Timberwolves themselves.
The $3 million gap in Minnesota's second-apron math
By securing Kuminga, who is set to earn roughly $6.1 million this coming season , the Minnesota Timberwolves have pushed themselves past the second-apron luxury tax threshold. To regain financial flexibility, the Timberwolves must find a way to shed about $3 million in salary, according to the report.
The most likely candidate for departure is Josh Green, a former Dallas Mavericks player currently earning $14.6 million. The Timberwolves are reportedly weighing two options: finding a trade partner or using the waive-and-stretch provision. If they choose to stretch Green's contract, his annual cap hit could drop to roughly $4.9 million through the 2028-29 season.
Why the Lakers missed Kuminga's $25 million valuation
The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to compete for Kuminga due to strict sign-and-trade regulations that capped their offer at an average of $12 million per year. The report notes that Kuminga viewed his market value closer to $25 million annually, leading him to choose the shorter, lower-paying deal in Minnesota to bet on his future growth .
This missed opportunity leaves the Lakers facing significant roster hurdles.. The team is currently struggling to move Jarred Vanderbilt, whose contract is worth $12.5 million this year and $13.5 million next year. Furthermore, there are reported frictions between Vanderbilt and head coach JJ Redick, making his role in the rotation a point of contention. The Lakers are also looking to move Jaden Hardy’s $6 million contract to create more breathing room, while still seeking a backup center to support Kevon Looney.
The Pelicans' two-first-round-pick price for Herb Jones
The movement surrounding Kuminga is part of a broader trend of roster shuffling seen in other markets. in New Orleans, the Pelicans are navigating the addition of Bennedict Mathurin by reportedly shopping Jordan Hawkins. The team is also maintaining a high asking price for defensive specialist Herb Jones, demanding two first-round picks depsite concerns regarding his shooting and injury history.
The Mavericks' search for a stretch four and the Knicks' apron concerns
As the summer trade window shifts, other high-profile players are appearing on the rumor board. the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking to get younger, which could make Daniel Gafford a candidate for a move if a first-round pick can be secured. The Mavericks are also monitoring the market for a stretch four who can provide defensive versatility without a prohibitive contract, while names like Kyrie Irving and PJ Washington continue to circulate in trade discussions.
In New York, the Knicks' primary objective remains staying under the second apron for as long as possible. However, the report suggests that Mikal Bridges could become a trade piece if the team requires more long-term flexibility. Similarly, while a Jamal Murray trade seems unlikely for the Denver Nuggets right now, the team's financial situation could eventually force a move.
Can Minnesota find a trade partner without draft capital?
A significant hurdle for the Timberwolves is their current lack of tradeable draft assets. as the report indicates, Minnesota lacks the first- or second-round picks that typically incentivize other teams to absorb a player's salary. This leaves the front office in a race against time to decide if they can move Josh Green or if they must settle for the waive-and-stretch option to avoid cap penalties.
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