Jonathan Kuminga’s next move has become one of the NBA’s biggest unanswered questions. With Peyton Watson off the board, the spotlight has only grown brighter. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers remain interested in the 23-year-old. But the ones who are suddenly making some noise are the Minnesota Timberwolves. And this noise could reshape JK’s summer landscape.

“Watch the Wolves in the next couple of days, because now that some of these, some of these, well, here’s the thing. I went, there’s been some reporting. I don’t know who to give credit to. But I think there’s a possibility of DeMar DeRozan signing with the Nuggets,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast.

Now, you might imagine: how is DeRozan’s move to Denver significant to Jonathan Kuminga? “Now that this is happening, some other things are falling into place. So my favorite topic, Jonathan Kuminga,” he said. Tim MacMahon further added that if Kuminga accepts a minimum contract, Minnesota would be an ideal destination.

The Timberwolves could offer him a clear opportunity to earn a starting role at power forward, giving him significant minutes and a chance to establish himself. “So it’s still open. There’s still a window there for the Lakers to do a Kuminga sign-and-trade using Jaden Hardy, but my thing on the whole Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade thing is, for the Hawks to do a sign-and-trade,” Windhorst advised.

Get the Essentially Dunk Newsletter. League-wide coverage every day on the All-Stars, MVPs, iconic legends, and the drama defining the NBA.

Windy believes the Hawks could enter the luxury tax by completing a sign-and-trade for Kuminga. Avoiding that would require sending another contract to a third team. Therefore, unless Atlanta strongly believes Kuminga is worth the financial burden, Windhorst doubts they will seriously pursue a sign-and-trade.

“The other thing with Kuminga is a sign-and-trade has to be three years. It doesn’t have to be fully guaranteed, but it can’t be player options. It’ll be team options,” the insider continued. “And so if Kuminga can’t get a contract number that he likes in the first year, even if it’s more money.”

Therefore, this is another situation that the Lakers need to monitor. But why only the LA Lakers? They still have to keep tabs on Jonathan Kuminga because their path depends on a sign-and-trade. That route comes with a three-year deal and team options. Player options are off the table. As a result, Kuminga would have less say over his future.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves could present a cleaner option. If Kuminga accepts the minimum, Minnesota can offer him a strong chance to start at the four. That could appeal more than a Lakers deal that falls below his expectations. For Los Angeles, Minnesota remains a genuine threat.

Minnesota ownership shakeup adds another layer amidst Jonathan Kuminga rumors

The NBA’s September Board of Governors meeting could be crowded. The Lakers and Timberwolves are navigating ownership changes, while the Clippers still await clarity. Meanwhile, Minnesota has another priority. President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly enters the final season of his contract after acquiring LaMelo Ball, making his future important for the revamped ownership group.

Meanwhile, American business leader Marc Stad is about to become the Wolves’ controlling owner and largest shareholder at a $4.5 billion valuation. The Dragoneer Investment Group founder previously held a minority stake under Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. After months of talks, the arrangement keeps the franchise’s leadership structure intact.

On the other hand, Stad’s wife, Elisa Stad, will become the Timberwolves governor, while Rodriguez remains a co-owner and increases his equity. Lore keeps a minority stake but steps away from leadership. His focus shifts toward the Wonder Group’s IPO over the next calendar year.

With Minnesota’s power structure changing, Jonathan Kuminga’s situation gains an intriguing layer. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers’ internal unrest could also drive JK away from the team, as analysts are already assuming the possibilities. However, it is safe to say that the Wolves and the Lakers might be the only teams in Kuminga’s market.