Timberwolves Lock In Young Wing with 5-Year $136M Extension

In a significant move, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly secured young wing sensation Jaden McDaniels with a substantial five-year, $136 million contract extension. This deal, orchestrated by The Athletic's Shams Charania, reflects McDaniels' meteoric rise in the league as one of the premier 3-and-D players and a pivotal asset in the Timberwolves' pursuit of championship contention in the upcoming season.

Impressive Shooting Improvement

Despite McDaniels' modest 3-point attempts, averaging just 3.4 per game last season, he managed to shoot an impressive 39.8% from beyond the arc, marking a remarkable improvement over his first two seasons. More notably, McDaniels has evolved into one of the NBA's most disruptive wing defenders. His near miss at securing All-Defense honors last season underscores his vital role and status as a strong candidate this year.


Unforgettable Asset

When the Timberwolves famously orchestrated a blockbuster trade to acquire Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels was reportedly the one untouchable asset. In hindsight, this decision has proven to be astute, as McDaniels has firmly established himself as a cornerstone in the Timberwolves' roster.

Financial Implications

Nonetheless, maintaining this formidable core comes with a significant financial commitment. Earlier in the offseason, the Timberwolves inked a maximum rookie extension with their star guard, Anthony Edwards. Notably, both Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns are tied to super-max contracts, and the team secured top backup center Naz Reid with a lucrative deal. These moves project the Timberwolves into the luxury tax category for the foreseeable future. While previous owner Glen Taylor had exercised caution regarding such expenditures, the new ownership duo of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez appears enthusiastic about investing in a squad with the potential to dominate the upcoming season.

Value of Elite Wings

It's essential to recognize the rarity of elite wing players in the NBA, which inherently drives their price tag. McDaniels possesses a unique skill set that few players can match, and given his potential as a ball-handler, there is ample room for his continued development. Despite the substantial financial commitment, Jaden McDaniels undoubtedly justifies the investment for the Minnesota Timberwolves.