Warriors star Draymond Green has expressed skepticism regarding Jonathan Kuminga's recent decision to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves, suggesting the move could present significant risks to the young player's career trajectory.
On his podcast, "The Draymond Green Show," Green highlighted the potential pitfalls of Kuminga's choice to accept a lower salary with the Timberwolves, especially if the team's initial performance is subpar. "Here's where things get dicey," Green stated. "When you go to a team on a lower-level salary, in this case, the taxpayer mid-level, and all of a sudden that starting lineup isn’t getting off to great starts, the analytics say ‘this group isn’t working that well together’ for whatever reason."
Kuminga agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Timberwolves, which includes a player option. This comes after reports that the Los Angeles Lakers had offered him a three-year contract potentially worth up to $12 million per season. Green noted that a $6.5 million salary, as Kuminga is set to earn in Minnesota, typically signifies a role player rather than a starter.
Green pointed out that Minnesota's already substantial payroll, which includes high salaries for players like LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels, could make Kuminga expendable if the team struggles early in the season. "Your salary determines ultimately how a team treats you," Green explained. He suggested that Kuminga, who reportedly joined the Timberwolves with the expectation of a starting position, could be the first player moved if the team's performance falters.
Kuminga, who was part of the Warriors team that won an NBA title in 2022, has spent a significant portion of his career in a reserve role. The Golden State Warriors traded Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks last season in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. He played in 16 games for the Hawks, starting just one.