Timberwolves Pursue Kuminga as Pelicans Target Mathurin; Grizzlies Face Roster Crunch; Harden, Cavaliers Talk New Deal
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have entered negotiations with free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, league sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Minnesota is searching for a starting power forward and can offer its $6.06 million taxpayer mid-level exception, well short of the $15–20 million annual salary Kuminga is reportedly seeking.
According to the report, the Los Angeles Lakers have presented Kuminga with a higher-value, multiyear proposal, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are also willing to pay significantly more than Minnesota. Both clubs would need sign-and-trade arrangements and are not prepared to guarantee Kuminga a starting role.
Interest Builds in Bennedict Mathurin
The New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks have all inquired about a sign-and-trade for Clippers swingman Bennedict Mathurin, sources said. New Orleans, which tried to acquire Mathurin from Indiana last year, still holds its $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception and is $8.22 million below the luxury-tax threshold.
The Pelicans have discussed trading Jordan Hawkins—including a proposal involving Memphis guard AJ Johnson—to clear Hawkins’s $7.02 million salary and remain under the tax while pursuing Mathurin. New Orleans also showed interest in Spencer Jones before the Denver Nuggets matched Oklahoma City’s offer sheet.
Grizzlies Planning Moves
The Memphis Grizzlies intend to move AJ Johnson and D’Angelo Russell before opening night to relieve a roster logjam, according to Scotto. Memphis has 19 players on standard contracts, and No. 32 overall pick Richie Saunders is still unsigned. Veteran forward Taj Gibson, carrying a non-guaranteed $3.82 million deal, is viewed as a possible release candidate. The Grizzlies hope to retain Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who played 53 games and started 24 after beginning last season on a two-way contract.
Harden, Cavaliers Discuss Contract Length
James Harden’s representatives and the Cavaliers are working together on a new agreement, with two-year and three-year options currently under discussion, league sources said.
Source: HoopsRumors
