​ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) GettyJonathan Kuminga chose the Minnesota Timberwolves because they offered something he could not find during five turbulent seasons with the Golden State Warriors: certainty.How long that partnership lasts is considerably less clear.Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, described Minnesota as an ideal place for his client to start, play through mistakes and rebuild his value during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” But Turner also openly discussed the teams that could possess salary-cap space when Kuminga can return to free agency next summer.“I would say on paper next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free-agency year for him,” Turner told Chandler Parsons. “There’s a lot of teams with money.”Turner then identified the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, two teams that previously pursued Kuminga.“The game board is set very, very well for JK for 2027,” Turner said.Turner stopped short of saying Kuminga plans to leave Minnesota. Nevertheless, his comments reinforced what the contract’s structure already suggested: The Timberwolves could be a one-season proving ground rather than a long-term destination.Jonathan Kuminga Receives Starting Promise From TimberwolvesKuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract containing a player option for 2027-28. He can decline that option next summer and become an unrestricted free agent.To get there in a stronger negotiating position, Kuminga must turn Minnesota’s belief into consistent production.Turner said the Timberwolves presented a “clear-cut” plan for Kuminga to start at power forward beside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. More importantly, coach Chris Finch promised patience when Kuminga inevitably encounters difficult stretches.“I’m not running away from you,” Turner said Finch told Kuminga. “I’m riding with you.”That assurance mattered after Kuminga spent much of his Warriors tenure moving in and out of Steve Kerr’s rotation. The former No. 7 pick has never entered a season with an unquestioned starting position.Edwards also helped recruit Kuminga, encouraging his former playoff opponent to come to Minnesota and disprove lingering questions about his game.Yet Kuminga will not command star-level usage on a lineup built around Edwards and Ball. His next payday could depend on defending multiple positions, running the floor, cutting decisively and producing efficiently without monopolizing the ball — many of the sam