The Los Angeles Lakers lacked a versatile wing defender and Jonathan Kuminga provided a solution. All signs had pointed toward the talented youngster joining the Purple and Gold.

But the free agent forward signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday, according to Shams Charania. Kuminga became one of the final players off the market with training camp set to start next month.

Jonathan Kuminga of the Atlanta Hawks in action during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images

He will join Anthony Edwards and Lamelo Ball in Minnesota after being linked to the Lakers for a majority of the offseason.

According to Charania, Kuminga bypassed a longer contract from Los Angeles. The Lakers reportedly offered the talented wing a three-year deal, worth at least $12 million per season.

Both the Bulls and TrailBlazers were believed to have offered similar deals.

Instead, Kuminga is heading into the ice on a deal worth just $6 million per year. It is a bit of a head-scratcher, knowing he would have received a long rope toward starting and having a large impact with the Lakers.

Whether it is Mark Walter shockingly selling the Lakers, the Buss family drama in court, or the roster construction, Los Angeles cannot seem to catch a break this offseason.