Jonathan Kuminga will be suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves after agreeing to a two-year deal worth roughly $13 million.
The figure is relatively modest for the former No. 7 overall pick, particularly given that he reportedly turned down an extension from the Golden State Warriors during the 2025 offseason.
Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, explained the thinking behind his client’s decision to reject the lucrative proposal, sparking backlash across social media.
NBA World Questions Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent After Surprising Contract Decision
When Kuminga entered free agency, the Warriors’ strongest proposal was a three-year, $75 million contract.
Instead of accepting that offer, Kuminga opted for a shorter two-year arrangement, allowing him to preserve greater control over his future before eventually being traded to the Atlanta Hawks.
Kuminga’s agent appeared on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back on Friday and provided more insight into why the former Warriors forward decided against accepting Golden State’s offer.
“With the three-year, $75 million [deal] it was to me, he had to get to a spot to make long-term money, or past this contract, where the basketball was set,” Turner said.
Jonathan Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, explains why he didn’t sign a 3-year, $75M extension with the Warriors:
“Money coming before basketball is not how you continue to make more and more money. … Next year is a way better free agency year for him…teams that have been… pic.twitter.com/tpeJMrHym0
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) August 29, 2026
“Money coming before basketball is not how you continue to make more and more money. Next year is a way better free agency year for him. Teams that have been trying to sign-and-trade for him, like Sacramento and Chicago, will have a lot of money.”
Turner’s explanation immediately sparked a strong reaction across the NBA community, with fans questioning whether turning down such a substantial offer was the right move for Kuminga.
“Is this real? This guy is as bad at his job as we guessed he was,” one fan wrote.
Is this real? This guy is as bad at his job as we guessed he was.
— OldSkoolNewSchoolLakers (@OldNewLakersPod) August 29, 2026
“Please Kuminga. Fire this dude. He is going to ruin your financial future,” another user urged.
Please Kuminga. Fire this dude. He is going to ruin your financial future. https://t.co/ftgxNNKvNR
— Yinoma2001 (@Yinoma2001) August 29, 2026
“Rough man… honestly feel bad for JK. Gotta surround yourself with competent people, Turner clearly isn’t one. Complete mismanagement of his career so far,” a comment read.
While many NBA agents work to secure major financial commitments for their clients, Turner’s decision to prioritize a potential future payday over a guaranteed $75 million extension left fans questioning his approach.
“Might be the worst agent in pro basketball,” one fan remarked.
“He really is the Pelinka (GM) of agents. Always promising in the future,” another claimed.
He really is the Pelinka (GM) of agents. Always promising in the future.
— Yinoma2001 (@Yinoma2001) August 29, 2026
“Terrible advice,” an observer noted.
Kuminga became an unrestricted free agent this offseason after the Hawks declined their team option in late June.
However, per reports, Kuminga also had a three-year proposal worth more than $12 million annually available from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 23-year-old now enters a new chapter of his NBA career with the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s depth chart looks impressive on paper at this stage, but questions arise on whether Kuminga prioritizing future flexibility over immediate financial security proves to be the right gamble.
Minnesota had already moved on from Julius Randle and Naz Reid. With his latest agreement, Kuminga is expected to take on a starting role alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert.
