Jonathan Kuminga signing with the Timberwolves gave many pause.
The 23-year-old joined Minnesota on a two-year, $12.4 million deal despite the Lakers offering a deal that would allow Kuminga to earn roughly the same amount annually.
Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga listens to questions during an NBA basketball news conference at Target Center. AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt
But the forward has been adamant that he made the right decision, saying he wanted to join a winning culture. The Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship, let alone an appearance in the Finals.
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas didn’t mince words when he discussed Kuminga’s puzzling decision on his podcast.
“Someone is getting you paid to look the other way because there’s no f–king way that you should have been signing these bulls–t deals,” Arenas said.
“Now you’re talking about you’re in a two-year deal. You signed a podcast deal, like I said. You’re playing with two max players, three max players. You’re the fourth, fifth option. And you think you’re gonna do what?”
Kuminga joins LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards in Minnesota as part of the backcourt. The Lakers’ pitch to the wing was starting alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Gilbert Arenas criticized Jonathan Kuminga for signing with the Timberwolves. @GilsArenaShow/X
With Jonathan Kuminga going to the Timberwolves, the Lakers will have to pivot to other options. Getty Images
Throughout the offseason, the Lakers and Kuminga had gone back and forth on a potential contract but never reached an agreement.
Now, the Lakers are still searching for a versatile wing defender before the season begins.
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