Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has voiced strong criticism regarding Jonathan Kuminga's recent contract signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 23-year-old forward agreed to a two-year deal worth $13 million, a move that has drawn Arenas' ire, particularly given Kuminga's previous association with the Los Angeles Lakers.
News of Kuminga's decision broke Wednesday, revealing that he opted for the Timberwolves deal over a more lucrative offer from the Lakers. Shams Charania reported that the Lakers had been prepared to offer Kuminga a contract exceeding three years at a minimum of $12 million per year. Arenas questioned the financial trajectory of Kuminga's career, referencing his time with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Golden State Warriors in February. Kuminga averaged 12.3 points per game for the Hawks.
Arenas expressed his bewilderment on social media, comparing Kuminga's deal to a "Costco member's deal" and questioning the player's representation. "Bro, you just signed a podcast deal. All this is crazy—how does your get contracts keep getting worse? You was just balling in Atlanta! You did all this waiting, we over here fighting for you, for you to sign a Costco member’s deal? Two years, $13 [million]?" Arenas stated. He further elaborated on the perceived low value of the contract, noting that "Lakers, we got 15 people on our contract making more than this."
Kuminga has been a consistent player since entering the league in 2021, making his team-friendly contract with the Timberwolves a perplexing decision for many basketball observers. The Lakers' front office is also likely considering the potential missed opportunity to acquire Kuminga at a significantly lower price point.
