Jaden McDaniels is sticking in Minnesota for the long haul.
The Timberwolves and McDaniels have agreed to a one-year, $40 million contract extension that will keep the forward under team control through the 2029-30 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal comes just two days before Minnesota opens its season against the Miami Heat.
McDaniels has become one of the Timberwolves’ most important pieces because of what he does on both ends of the floor and how steadily his game has grown. Last season, the 26-year-old wing put up career bests across the board, averaging 14.8 points, 51.5% shooting and 2.7 assists, along with 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.o blocks in 73 games.
He’ll remain part of the group expected to carry Minnesota this season alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jonathan Kuminga, Rudy Gobert and Ayo Dosunmu. Ball was quick to gush about McDaniels’ versatility and value.
“I love Jaden. I mean, 6'10,” move, run, play defense, cut back, shoot the three, really anything you need.
Damn near a (NBA) 2K player. It's crazy,” said Ball, who is in his first year in Minnesota.
Taken by the Timberwolves with the No. 28 pick in 2020, McDaniels has also brought a little edge to the roster. He made headlines during last year’s playoffs when he ripped the Denver Nuggets as terrible defenders, and Minnesota went on to beat Denver 4-2 in the first round.
Now, the Timberwolves head into the new season trying to clear the final hurdle and reach the NBA Finals for the first time.
In Other News...
Timberwolves May Have A Longer Wait Than Expected On This Draft Pick
Trey Kaufman-Renns path to the Timberwolves may be taking a detour back through college basketball. Minnesota still holds his draft rights, but the big man has been able to keep his college route open after a court injunction granted him an extra season of eligibility, and his future remains tied to a legal process that is not finished yet.
For now, Kaufman-Renn has moved forward with Kansas, where he has signed, enrolled in classes and started practicing with the Jayhawks. The NCAA is expected to appeal the injunction, which leaves Minnesota in a familiar draft-night holding pattern with a player it still controls on paper, even though he has not signed a professional contract. [Read more 🡒]
Cody Williams Is Making Minnesotas Rotation Battle Hard To Ignore
Cody Williams has turned Timberwolves training camp into one of those early roster discussions that can quietly linger all season. The former lottery pick has stood out to teammates and coaches with his defense and versatility, and his preseason minutes have offered the kind of preview that can matter in a crowded rotation race. Even with the offense still coming along, Williams has shown enough instincts on that end and enough playmaking flashes to make him feel more than just another camp body.
The comparison point inside Minnesota is hard to miss because Terrence Shannon Jr. has also been fighting for traction, but not with the same level of consistency. Williams steadier defensive presence has given him a real case for more consideration, especially for a team looking to sort out who can be trusted when the games start to count. For now, the most interesting part of his rise is not just what he has done, but how much attention he is forcing the staff to pay to the battle around him. [Read more 🡒]
Finch Just Put A Title Concern On The Timberwolves' Radar
Chris Finch is already looking past the obvious strengths of this Timberwolves group and straight at the area that could decide how far it goes. For all the buzz around Minnesotas top-end talent and Rudy Goberts presence in the paint, Finch made it clear that rebounding is the biggest issue on his radar entering the season, a reminder that championship teams usually have to survive the grind as much as they have to win the highlight moments.
The concern is less about one player carrying the load and more about how the roster fits together after losing size in the frontcourt. Finch wants more help on the glass from the wings and bigger scoring options, and the burden figures to fall on players such as Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards to chip in. Gobert remains an elite rebounder, but Minnesota will need the whole rotation to buy in if it wants to avoid turning a manageable flaw into a playoff problem. [Read more 🡒]