Wolves Sign Kuminga, Eye DiVincenzo Return

Minnesota adds forward Jonathan Kuminga on a two-year deal while hoping guard Donte DiVincenzo can return from injury late in the 2026/27 season, as new

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $12.4 million contract with a player option for the second year. The team also hopes guard Donte DiVincenzo can return from a torn Achilles near the end of the 2026/27 campaign, according to an ESPN report.

Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports believes the Kuminga signing is a worthwhile gamble for the Wolves. He acknowledges there are question marks about Kuminga's outside shot and overall decision-making. Iko considers the former No. 7 overall pick a clear defensive upgrade over the departed Julius Randle and Naz Reid, particularly in terms of versatility.

Kuminga's Role and Potential

Iko notes Kuminga is a strong finisher and cutter who is good at getting to the free throw line. Although he will likely play a complementary off-ball role if he starts, he could handle a higher-usage offensive role when Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball are off the floor. Kuminga has said in the past that he views himself as a future All-Star.

Ultimately, Iko argues the deal is a low-cost, potentially high-impact move for a Minnesota team that aspires to win its first championship in 2026/27. The move addresses a void at power forward created when the team traded Randle and Reid to go all-in on perimeter talent. Fans can track how this new addition fits into the team's squad as the season approaches.

DiVincenzo's Injury Timeline

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on the Hoop Collective podcast that the Wolves have no intention of trading Donte DiVincenzo. The team is cautiously optimistic he may return to action near the end of the upcoming season. DiVincenzo will earn $12.35 million in the final year of his deal.

"The idea that the Timberwolves can count on Dante for significant contributions this year is unrealistic, and I don't think they are," Windhorst said. He added that the organization harbors a quiet hope DiVincenzo could return before the season ends. His recovery will be a key factor for the team's injuries list and overall depth.

Windhorst's comments are noteworthy because the Wolves are reportedly considering waiving and stretching Josh Green's $14.68 million expiring contract. That move would create $4.89 million in annual cap hits through 2028/29. The resulting cap savings would give Minnesota enough room beneath its second-apron hard cap to sign Kuminga using the taxpayer mid-level exception.

New Ownership Details

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic profiles new majority owner Marc Stad, who is buying his shares from Marc Lore. Stad is described as private by nature. In an interview, he said he was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and that he didn't have enough money to buy a coat in his first winter at Harvard.

His technology-focused investment firm, Dragoneer Investment Group, now controls over $35 billion in assets. According to Krawczynski's sources, Stad's wife Elisa will serve as team governor, allowing Stad to focus on Dragoneer. However, he will be heavily involved in all of the organization's decisions as the team prepares for a critical standings push.

Source: Hoops Rumors