Wolves sign Jaden McDaniels to 5-year, $136M extension
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) knocks the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 135-121. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
After months of waiting, the Minnesota Timberwolves have officially crossed off their last large remaining task on the offseason to-do list.
Monday, the team agreed to a five-year, $136 million contract extension with young star Jaden McDaniels.
Wolves owner Glen Taylor confirmed to KSTP Sports’ Darren “Doogie” Wolfson that the deal is fully guaranteed and is a straight five-year deal without any player or team options.
Coupled with Anthony Edwards’ max extension in July, the Timberwolves have locked up their two young stars, locking their core into place for years to come.
While Edwards, the former No. 1 overall pick, has understandably gotten more of the focus and limelight, McDaniels has quietly developed into a crucial contributor for the team as well.
McDaniels, the No. 28 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, has increased his scoring every year he’s been in the league, averaging 12.1 points per game last season, as well as 3.9 rebounds per game, 1.9 assists per game and 1 block per game while shooting 39.8% from three-point distance.
Additionally, he’s turned into a premier defender, capable of stopping almost any player the Wolves want to have him guard.
He was entering the final year of his rookie contract this year, although the Wolves would’ve held restricted free agency rights on him next offseason had they not agreed to an extension. However, he’s now locked in for the foreseeable future.
Minnesota opens the new season Wednesday in Toronto before playing at Target Center for the first time this season on Saturday against Miami. It’s still unclear if McDaniels, who has been rehabbing an injury for the past couple of weeks, will be ready to return in time for the start of the regular season.