Johnny Juzang’s time on the floor for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season has been limited - very limited. He’s logged just 67 total minutes, with fewer than five of those coming in what you’d consider meaningful game action.
Still, he’s been active for 43 games, and that number matters a lot right now. As a two-way player, Juzang can only be active for 50 games in a season.
That means he’s got just seven more activations left before the Wolves are forced to make a decision.
And make no mistake: that decision is coming soon.
The Two-Way Clock Is Ticking
Juzang isn’t the only player around the league facing this kind of roster math. Around the NBA, several two-way players are nearing the 50-game limit.
For Minnesota, the situation is particularly interesting because the team has an open standard roster spot. That gives them the flexibility to convert Juzang’s contract without needing to waive anyone or shuffle the roster.
It’s a clean move - and one that feels increasingly inevitable.
Now, Juzang hasn’t spent any time in the G League this season, which makes a demotion unlikely. If the Wolves were planning to send him down, they probably would’ve done it already.
Instead, they’ve kept him active - not necessarily playing, but available - which tells you they see value in having him around the team. Even if he’s not cracking the rotation, he’s clearly someone they want in the building.
Why Wait to Convert?
There’s a strategic component here, too. Delaying the conversion of a two-way contract can save a team money, and for a franchise like Minnesota - currently navigating a high payroll and the luxury tax implications that come with it - every dollar counts. So the Wolves are likely playing the long game here: keep Juzang active for as long as possible, then convert him once it becomes absolutely necessary.
That moment is coming quickly. If Juzang stays active, his 50th game would fall on February 2 - just four days before the NBA trade deadline.
That timing is more than a coincidence. Converting Juzang gives the Wolves another standard contract on the books, which could be useful in a trade scenario.
His salary could help match numbers in a larger deal, and while he’s not a marquee name, he’s a low-cost asset that could hold some value in the right package.
Could He Actually Play?
Here’s the big question: should the Wolves give Juzang a real shot in the rotation?
It’s not an easy case to make, considering how strong Minnesota’s top six has been. They’re deep, they’re balanced, and they’re winning.
But take a look at the bench production, and there’s a noticeable dip. The Wolves rank in the bottom 10 in bench scoring and minutes played - a sign that the second unit could use a little juice.
That’s where Juzang’s skill set could come into play.
Last season with the Utah Jazz, Juzang averaged 8.9 points per game and shot 37% from three. That’s not nothing.
He’s a capable scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, and while he’s not a high-usage guy, he can space the floor and get buckets in spurts. In short: he’s the kind of player who could help a second unit that’s struggling to put points on the board.
Now, let’s be clear - it’s still a long shot. The Wolves have been reluctant to give Juzang meaningful minutes all season, and there’s no clear path to change that unless injuries or trades open up some space. But if they’re going to convert his deal anyway, it’s fair to wonder: why not see what he can do?
Trade Chip or Depth Piece?
Whether or not Juzang sees the floor, his contract situation is worth watching closely. A conversion to a standard deal seems likely in the coming weeks, especially with the trade deadline looming.
From there, the Wolves have options. They could keep him as an end-of-bench piece with some scoring upside, or they could include him in a trade package as a salary-matching piece with potential.
Either way, Johnny Juzang’s next move is coming into focus. And while he may not be a household name, his situation is a reminder that even the smallest roster decisions can carry weight - especially for a team with big aspirations like Minnesota.