RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Minnesota Timberwolves completed their roster after signing Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year contract on Wednesday. Kuminga is expected to be part of the starting lineup with LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
The Timberwolves want to be a better team ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, which is why they’ve been active this offseason. One of the team’s major moves was trading for Ball to solve their point guard needs. Unfortunately for the team, they had to part ways with forwards Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
The team also re-signed Ayo Dosunmu to strengthen its backcourt depth.
Feb 24, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) on the court against the Washington Wizards during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
After signing Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves’ chances of qualifying for the postseason rose to 85%. Adding the athletic forward strengthened Minnesota in the challenging Western Conference.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an 85% chance of making the 2027 NBA playoffs:
LaMelo Ball Anthony Edwards Jaden McDaniels Jonathan Kuminga Rudy Gobert Ayo Dosunmu Donte DiVincenzo Josh Green Joan Beringer Terrence Shannon Jr. Jaylen Clark
Who’s stopping the Wolves? pic.twitter.com/Ex1EoBwEye
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) August 26, 2026
After the Timberwolves’ postseason chances were posted online, fans went into a frenzy to show their excitement.
“That stacked squad with Ant and LaMelo running wild? Nobody’s stopping these Wolves in ’27, pure firepower,” a fan said .
“Idk what the record bouta be but this is the most exciting team in the league lol,” another fan commented .
“They boys gonna be trouble out there on the court. Surprise ” one fan said .
“Kuminga mid but yeah second best team in the west though,” someone commented .
“They put lamelo ball around ATHLETES for the first time in his career ” a comment read .
“They’re prob going to WIN,” one fan commented .
The Los Angeles Lakers came close to signing Kuminga to a contract. However, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the one-time champion believes the Timberwolves are a better fit.
The Timberwolves will debut a new-look team in the 2026-27 season, featuring a new backcourt and a more athletic power forward. Former head coach Sam Mitchell was among those who loved the free-agent signing of Jonathan Kuminga.
Mitchell said it gives the team another scoring option and gives Minnesota a better shot at coming out of the West.
“I like this decision going to Minnesota,” Mitchell said. “It puts a good player with LaMelo and Anthony. You got two guys that can make you better.
"It puts them closer to being one of those teams that you now can say can come out of the West."
Listen to NBA Today: https://t.co/ZqMaVtbIWb pic.twitter.com/2TFYYKasKp
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) August 26, 2026
“They needed a scoring forward. When you’ve lost Julius Randle and Naz Reid, my question was, ‘Where were they gonna get that scoring from that four position?’ I think, for Kuminga, he slides right in there. … It puts them closer to being one of those teams that you now can say can come out of the West.”
Kuminga also brings championship experience to a title-hungry Timberwolves team.
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