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Forbes
7 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Getting A Kuminga Deal Done Beats Alternative For Golden State
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: Anthony Edwards (5) of Timberwolves in action against Jonathan ... More Kuminga (00) of Warriors during NBA Playoffs game 4 between Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on May 12, 2025 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) As the NBA world awaits a conclusion to the Jonathan Kuminga saga, the Golden State Warriors are finding themselves in a pickle. While the organization seem to be open-minded towards a future that doesn't include the 22-year-old, they're also trying to remain competitive over the course of Stephen Curry's last years in the league. Kuminga, warts and all, offers a level of explosiveness no one else on the team can match, and his talents are significant. The big picture, contractually speaking While the two sides differ on money, the real calculation for Golden State these days is far more simple: Can they afford to lose a talent like Kuminga? As NBA free agency gets deeper and deeper into the summer, picking up the qualifying offer, worth $7.9 million, surely must become a real consideration for Kuminga and his team. The Warriors extended to Kuminga the qualifying offer in order to retain the right of first refusal, thus keeping him as a restricted free agent, and allowing the organization to match any offer sheet he might sign. With no offer sheet in sight, given that the market has dried out, the Warriors are playing hardball with Kuminga, trying to lock him into a contract that benefit their books long-term. Kuminga, however, can accept the one-year tender and become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, where he'd be able to leave the Warriors outright. This means no compensation coming back to Golden State, as accepting the qualifying offer also comes with a no-trade clause. The Warriors are, obviously, aware of this scenario, and are hoping their forward accepts a deal that provides long-term security. That said, the risk of potentially losing Kuminga for nothing, even if it's a year from now, is fairly great given that the Warriors aren't exactly loaded with assets to replace his production. The path forward As such, one solution could be for the Warriors to accept they'll be a little uncomfortable by upping their offer to an area that's closer to what Kuminga is seeking. That way, they'll have him under contract, meaning they can trade him later, and likely receive a positive return. That path isn't without its own set of issues, however. With the projections of the 2026 salary cap coming in lower than expected (7% increase compared to the otherwise expected 10%), some teams might be inclined to look at an expensive Kuminga contract with hesitation. Whereas, under the 10% increase, Kuminga's deal would look more and more team-friendly the longer it runs, a 7% cap increase doesn't lower Kuminga's cap percentage by nearly as much, thus making him - indirectly - more expensive. As such, the Warriors are likely concerned to sign the forward to a deal that will be viewed as an overpay, both for the present and the future, as that would make him difficult to trade. Of course, there's also the chance that Kuminga improves, and significantly so, in the coming years, which could make him a bargain, even if he's to receive what he's asking for, which allegedly is in the range of $25 million per year. As is evident, there is a lot of juggling back and forth, and many scenarios in play. But the Warriors must realize that the worst possible outcome is for Kuminga to walk, for nothing, in 11 months. Therefore, it's probably time to strike a deal, even if it makes them slightly uncomfortable. Unless noted otherwise, all stats via PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Timberwolves' Terrence Shannon Jr. stakes claim to rotation spot with strong NBA Summer League
When the Minnesota Timberwolves announced their Las Vegas Summer League roster earlier this month, it was no surprise that Terrence Shannon Jr. was booked for a return appearance. Shannon appeared in 32 games during the regular season as a rookie, but only 11 of those chances included more than 11 minutes on the floor. Still, with what he was able to show in one stretch as a regular in the rotation and with a couple of promising games in the playoffs, it was understandable to wonder if Shannon needed to be out there in a league with so many unproven players. He will turn 25 next week, a year older than Anthony Edwards, and is in line to join the Wolves rotation in earnest after the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Advertisement With all of that in mind, Shannon probably didn't need to play in Vegas. But he sure played like he needed to. He averaged 22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range in three games, all victories for a Wolves summer team that finished 4-1 last week. Shannon introduced himself to Wolves fans last season as a player who found good trouble on the court. He played with a refreshing recklessness, attacking the rim in transition in a way that almost no other Wolves player would. There was more of that on display in Vegas. THERE IT IS!!!! — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 10, 2025 Shannon played like a player who has been guaranteed nothing for next season, and that is exactly what the Timberwolves wanted to see. Alexander-Walker was a vital part of back-to-back runs to the Western Conference finals. Replacing his 25 minutes per game will be no easy task. But the Wolves figure to use a mixture of Shannon, Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham to fill the void of perimeter defense, outside shooting and overall vibes that NAW brought on a nightly basis. All three young players had their moments in summer league, but Shannon clearly stood out. His age and physical maturation helped him overwhelm younger, more inexperienced players in Vegas, and the Wolves want to see that bully ball mentality carry over to the season this fall. too tough TJ 😮💨 — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 15, 2025 'Just showing my talents to the coaches and showing them how much better I got over the summer and just the stuff that I worked on and the stuff they want me to do for the oncoming season,' Shannon said. Owner Alex Rodriguez said during a couple of appearances in Vegas that Shannon has been one of the Wolves' most diligent workers this summer. He has taken thousands of 3-point shots in an effort to become a more reliable threat from the perimeter. Shannon hit a respectable 35.5 percent of his 3s as a rookie, but that number will need to improve to make up for NAW's 38 percent shooting on 4.5 attempts per game. Advertisement Shannon's 38.5-percent conversion rate, albeit on a small sample, was encouraging. His shooting stroke looked a little smoother in Vegas, and there was zero hesitation for him out there when the ball came his way. Even more promising was his playmaking. Shannon is known as an accomplished scorer, but he will often be the third or fourth option on the floor when he is out there. That means that he will have to play within the flow of coach Chris Finch's offense to earn trust and minutes. His 5.0 assists in Vegas showed a player that is seeing the game at a higher level than he did as a rookie. Shannon said he has been working hard with player development head Chris Hines on making plays for others. 'I just had to find a way to impact the game. Just reading the game, making the right play,' Shannon said after recording nine assists in his first game of the summer. Evaluating players in summer league can be tricky. The desperation from journeymen to get noticed and the lack of maturity on the floor can lead to muddled games. The best thing a second-year player like Shannon can do is make it look like he did not belong on the floor in that environment. And that's exactly what he did. Other thoughts on the summer Wolves: One of the biggest keys to the season will be Dillingham's ability to carve out a role as a point guard. Mike Conley will be 38 before the season begins, Alexander-Walker is in Atlanta and the Wolves have not made any other significant moves to address the thinnest position on the roster. That all points to a confidence that Dillingham will be ready for a greater role next season. He acquitted himself well in Vegas, averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in four games, all victories. There were highs and lows during the stretch, but I came away with a better idea of how Dillingham can be successful for the Wolves. Advertisement Much has been made over the summer about the need for a point guard given Conley's age and Dillingham's lack of a role last season. Within that conversation, the implication has been that the Wolves need a true successor for Conley, a steady quarterback who can run the offense and values playmaking over scoring. But the days of the floor general in the NBA are disappearing. Players like Conley and Chris Paul are in their last days. Tyus Jones hasn't found his footing since leaving Memphis in search of a true starting role. Point guard has become much more of a combo guard-type of a spot. Players who can be explosive scorers are becoming the norm, guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, Jamal Murray and Tyrese Maxey. And more and more teams are putting the ball in the hands of their shooting guard and having him be the lead playmaker as well with Edwards, Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham at the front of that line. What teams seem to be looking for now is a player who can be a real scoring threat at the 1. That opens the door for Dillingham, whose best game in Vegas came against Phoenix, when he took on a more aggressive scoring role than he did in his first three games. He scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had seven assists in the game, often being guarded by Suns defensive stopper Ryan Dunn in the second half. Rob does it all on the floor. 🫡 23 PTS / 7 REB / 7 AST — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 17, 2025 Dillingham seems best-suited to approach the game in attack mode rather than prioritizing the pragmatism of a chief facilitator. The Wolves seem well prepared to accommodate that. They need a player with his speed and ingenuity out there to help Edwards with shot creation. Too much of that has fallen on Ant's shoulders in each of the last two conference finals losses, against Dallas and Oklahoma City. He was at his best in the second half against Phoenix when he was moved off the ball, playing alongside Tristen Newton in the backcourt. That could bode well for minutes he shares with Edwards in the regular season. Dillingham has his faults. Defense will always be a challenge for someone his size, though I thought he showed good heart on that end of the floor in Vegas. More concerning to me was his finishing at the rim. He is going to have to get a better handle on the angles he has to take against bigs in the paint so that he will not be easily neutralized by help defense. He only shot 39 percent from the field in Las Vegas, including 33 percent from 3. Advertisement The looks could be cleaner in the regular season when opponents can't key on him with the same vigor if he's on the floor with Edwards, Julius Randle and/or Jaden McDaniels. But he will have to be more consistent with his jumper and his drives to make a defense pay for not devoting more resources to him. The Wolves are expected to continue looking for more veteran depth in the backcourt. Names like Malcolm Brogdon and Cam Payne could make sense. But the team also wants to empower Dillingham in Year 2. What he showed in Vegas was a good step forward, and there are more for him to take. Clark's summer league got off to an inauspicious start when he tried to throw himself a pass off the backboard in transition, but the ball hit the rim and nearly got away from him. Luckily for Clark, he was able to finish the play with a layup to save what would have been a surefire appearance on Shaqtin' A Fool. The good news is that Clark felt bold enough to even attempt the move. He made a strong impression last year in his return from a torn Achilles tendon in college, but he also acknowledged that he wasn't yet as explosive as he was pre-injury. The attempt at a highlight-reel dunk shows that he is feeling more confident in his Achilles and getting some of that bounce back. His offensive game didn't get a whole lot better from that moment forward. Clark averaged 8.3 points, 2.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds in four games and shot just 30.6 percent from the field. If there was a hope that he would show an increased offensive capability in his second summer league, that did not happen. But if any player was assuming a different role from what he is expected to have in the NBA, it was Clark. He spent much of Vegas trying to create for himself and be a more aggressive scorer. That's not his game, but made sense to push as one of the veterans on the Wolves team. When he reports for training camp, Clark will again be a defense-first player who capitalizes off the attention that higher profile offensive players command when he is on the floor. He is the kind of player that does the dirty work on offense, slips screens, back cuts and gets lost on the perimeter for open 3s. He shot 43 percent from deep in the NBA last season, the vast majority of them wide open attempts while the defense collapsed on Wolves drivers. Advertisement He is a thinking man's player, one who fits well as part of a high-functioning unit. But he will also have trouble surprising teams again next season after coming out of nowhere to contribute last year. How he adjusts and continues to evolve will key his push for playing time. There is no other way to put it. The Timberwolves love Joan Beringer. They were high on the first-round pick when he was drafted, and that evaluation has only been strengthened after what he showed in Las Vegas. Beringer had six blocked shots in the opener, but what really stood out about his game was the fluidity with which he moves at 6-foot-11. He runs the floor like a deer, catches lobs easily and shows an understanding of the game that belies his short basketball resume. ✈️ JOAN TAKES FLIGHT ✈️ — Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 16, 2025 General manager Matt Lloyd raised eyebrows on draft night when he said the Wolves would feel comfortable putting Beringer on the floor as a rookie because of his defensive instincts. He will not turn 19 until November and just started playing basketball when he was 14, so that timeline seemed … aggressive. But there was nothing that happened in Vegas to deter that statement. Beringer tracked shots incredibly well. Even more impressively, he did not bite on the pump fakes that often get eager young shot blockers in trouble. There is a maturity about his game that is tantalizing. Wolves coaches and officials do not hide their enthusiasm for him in their public statements. But their eyes get even wider in casual conversation, indicating at belief that Beringer's ceiling is much higher than you might think. I still don't know what to make of Leonard Miller. Love his size and his skill set means that I'm usually surprised in a good way by at least one thing he does every time I watch him play. The stats are usually pretty impressive, including the 22 points and 11 rebounds he had against Phoenix. But I'm always waiting for just a little bit more. Coach Kevin Hanson spoke about Miller needing to remain focused on the game plan when he's out there. That may be one thing holding him back. … Rocco Zikarsky looked exactly like what I expected Beringer to be: a big man who will need time to develop in Iowa. He's a mountain of a man, a legit 7-foot-3. He looked a little heavy-footed in Vegas and will benefit from the Wolves' conditioning program. But there is some skill there. I'm intrigued, but it will take some time. … Amari Bailey acquitted himself well, looking like a versatile guard who at least could be worth a further look in Iowa this season.
Digital Trends
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Adolescence is the miniseries of the year — and you can watch it now on Netflix (July 18-20)
Netflix has never been my favorite streaming service, perhaps because I want to think I'm too cool for it. Still, the streamer has an undeniable roster of excellent shows, and many of those shows are ones you might not necessarily think are worth your time. I've done the hard part for you, pulling together three shows that I think are worth spending some time with this weekend. These shows are all wildly different tones and lengths, which means that you should be able to find something that piques your interest. Recommended Videos Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on HBO Max, and the best shows on Disney+. Starting 5 (2024-) Basketball is one of the most fascinating American pastimes, and that's in part because its stars are so interesting. Starting 5 is a docuseries that chronicles the lives of five of the biggest basketball players, including Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, Domantas Sabonis, and LeBron James. In telling their stories both off the court and on it, we come to understand how they see the game and one another. We also learn just how different they are from one another and why each of them has found such tremendous success on the court. You can watch Starting 5 on Netflix. Adolescence (2025) One of the great miniseries of 2025, Adolescence is a show you should definitely catch up with if you haven't seen it. The series tells the story of a family whose world is turned upside down after they discover that their son has been accused of murdering a female schoolmate. Each episode of the show focuses on a different perspective, and the result is a remarkably up-to-the-moment look at how a seemingly normal young man can become someone who might kill one of their classmates. It's a harrowing watch, but one that is worth spending time with. You can watch Adolescence on Netflix. Mr. Robot (2015-2019) Few television shows were more consistently surprising than Mr. Robot. Throughout four seasons, the show followed its central character — a brilliant but reclusive hacker hellbent on changing the world — in the middle of a vast conspiracy that he couldn't fully comprehend. Mr. Robot was unafraid of getting deeply weird, and not every swing the show took worked. However, enough of them did to give you a picture of a series that had full control over its ideas. Anchored by remarkable work from Rami Malek, Mr. Robot was worth the hype it received early on. You can watch Mr. Robot on Netflix.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rob Dillingham On His Strong Mentality As An NBA Player
Rob Dillingham On His Strong Mentality As An NBA Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been successful in the 2025 NBA Summer League, as most of their players are performing well. Chief among them is point guard Rob Dillingham, a player who had limited opportunities during his rookie campaign in the 2024-25 season. With his performance at NBA Summer League, Dillingham has proven he can be a high-level point guard. He is not staying as a scoring guard, as he is growing as a playmaker. That is optimal for the Timberwolves, as a dynamic guard alongside Anthony Edwards in the long-term future is the best-case scenario. As the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, most people thought the Timberwolves would trust Dillingham to adjust to the league quickly. That was not the case, as Dillingham took a lot of time to get comfortable due to his smaller physique and the short turnaround from his season with the Kentucky Wildcats. Despite that, he has always been working hard behind the scenes with his mentor, Mike Conley Jr., and the coaching staff. That has been valuable for him, as he learned his lessons. Of course, his confidence took a hit, but that has been revitalized with his stint in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Dillingham Is Confident And Ready For The 2025-26 Season For a talented player like Dillingham, sitting on the bench for most games can be tough. He has become accustomed to being the cornerstone of a team's offense, but since this is the NBA, he must adjust. Dillingham has taken that in stride, as he has developed under mentors and coaches. With that work, Dillingham has remained confident and ready for any opportunity. The 2025 NBA Summer League is one of them, and he has done well as a scorer, playmaker, and leader. That is significant for Dillingham, as he can translate that to the main Timberwolves team for the 2025-26 season. "I'd say it's more of a mental thing, like not getting down on yourself when stuff isn't going your way, and you keep thinking negative, nothing good is going to happen for you," Dillingham said about avoiding negativity. "I'm the biggest critic of myself, so I'm big at that. Now I'm just looking at it, trying to get past it. If I mess up, I mess up. Move on to the next play, and that's what's been helping for sure." With this healthy approach, Dillingham is ready to play under head coach Chris Finch. As long as he is prepared, he can make an impact. With his explosive scoring and ceiling as a playmaker, he is in the right place in Minnesota. Dillingham Will Keep Working Hard For An Opportunity Dillingham is one of the hardest-working players on the Timberwolves roster, which is reflected in his hard work with the assistant coaches to develop his game. He has a relationship with assistant coach and former NBA player Pablo Prigioni, who was a reliable veteran for most of his career. With that kind of guidance alongside Conley, Dillingham is in the right space. He wants to learn, and he is a student of some smart basketball minds. If he continues on this path, Dillingham can be a more mature lead guard who will be the perfect complement to Anthony Edwards. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Timberwolves 94, Nuggets 83: Terrence Shannon Jr. Throws Down Another Monster Dunk
With yesterday's focus on Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez's press conference to officially announce them as the controlling owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, the attention shifts back to the court as the Wolves took on the Denver Nuggets for their second game in the 2K26 NBA Summer League. There were a lot of notable Timberwolves people in the building for the game. Lore, Rodriguez, Chris Finch, and Micah Nori were all sitting outside. Naz Reid was greeted with a chant of 'five more years,' with the crowd exploding when Anthony Edwards sat down on the right baseline. Advertisement Even Nickeil Alexander-Walker came by to say hello to his former teammates. The Wolves rolled with the same starting five as their first game, including the four players from last year's team along with rookie Joan Beringer. The Timberwolves took a double-digit lead in the first half and never looked back. Terrence Shannon Jr. yet again had the exclamation point on the game with a monster slam late in the fourth quarter that got the entire crowd excited, including Edwards sitting right behind the basket. Shannon spoke to the media after the game and talked about the dunk and the love he got from Edwards sitting behind the basket. 'Ant is always brining the energy. But I didn't think it was that crazy. That's why I just started laughing, I didn't really show no emotion like that. But that's good though, Ant's my boy.' Rob Dillingham was also asked what he thought of Shannon's dunk and said, 'Ain't nothing to think about. Who else is doing that? And he got me an assist.' Advertisement Those assists were a big part of Dillingham's game in this one, as he dished out nine assists while turning it over just two times. He did a great job controlling the Wolves' offense, using his excellent handles to get to advantageous spots on the floor. Add in the 15 points, only behind Shannon's 24, and it was a solid outing for Rob, who struggled with both turnovers and shooting efficiency in Thursday's game. The Wolves won by a score of 94-83 to bring their Summer League record to 2-0. Along with Shannon and Dillingham's 39 combined points, Tristen Newton finished with 12 points off the bench, and Jaylen Clark scored six points on a pair of 3-pointers, along with two steals and a block. Up Next The Wolves continue their Summer League journey on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. The game starts at 3:30 PM CT. Fans can watch the game on NBA TV. Highlights
