Jonathan Kuminga Reveals Why He Chose Timberwolves Over Lakers: “I Wanted A Winning Culture…”

The Atlanta Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. While Kuminga initially struggled to secure the terms he was seeking, he eventually settled on a more agreeable arrangement, joining a well-stocked Minnesota Timberwolves team for two years and $13 million.

Despite a complicated history in the NBA, Kuminga had his fair share of suitors, including the Los Angeles Lakers , who were aggressive from the start . According to Kuminga, however, the Timberwolves have the "championship culture" he believes he's the perfect fit for.

"The process was up and down," said Kuminga in his introductory press conference . "Just looking back, I think I would say it's one of the best decisions I've made, just looking at the roster, looking at the young group of guys they have and just seeing what they've done in the past. I think I fit well with this culture… I think the choice was about trying to win, trying to help them win, and that's why I made this decision."

Despite their recent success, the Timberwolves have never actually won the NBA championship, calling into question Kuminga's claims about their "championship culture." Some fans took it as a direct diss toward the Lakers, who have long been among the most accomplished franchises in the league. They were willing to offer Kuminga more money, as well as a starting role.

Nevertheless, Kuminga weighed all his options and only came to a decision after much thought and deliberation with friends and family. He also spoke with Timberwolves players and coaches directly, confirming suspicions that he would fit well with their overall vibe . In the end, that was all he needed to make his pick.

"I prayed over this and asked God to guide me and give me the best decision," Kuminga added . "I think this was the best decision for me. I wanted to go to a winning culture, and I think this was one of the best winning cultures I could have chosen out of all the options. As I said earlier, I spoke to so many people on this team, including the front office, coaches, and some of the players, and it was just the vibe I was looking for. I think that made this decision way easier, and I went with it."

Kuminga's signing was another massive win for the Timberwolves, who had just added LaMelo Ball to play with Anthony Edwards , Rudy Gobert , and Jaden McDaniels . Together, they can challenge the NBA's most elite teams and bring glory to a franchise that has only known disappointment. Clearly, in the eyes of players and fans, the Wolves are in an overall better place than the Lakers (and most teams in the West), and have a core that can compete for many years to come.

For Kuminga, this is an opportunity to prove his worth and s how that he can play a big role on a contending team . With averages of 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 46.3% shooting last season, he has shown glimpses of greatness, but he now has all the tools to expand his game and reach the heights of NBA success. Best of all, if it all goes wrong, he still has some level of control over his future, thanks to his $6.3 million player option in 2027-28.