Full Breakdown
Jaden McDaniels Signs One-Year $40 Million Extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves
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Core Deal Details
The Minnesota Timberwolves have added forward Jaden McDaniels through the 2029-30 season with a one-year, $40 million extension. The deal, confirmed by agents Nima Namakian and Bill Duffy, adds a single season to the five-year, $136 million contract he signed in 2023. McDaniels will become eligible for another extension as early as 2028 and could elect free agency in the summer of 2030 after ten years of NBA service.
Background & Context
McDaniels was selected 28th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and has spent his entire six-year career with Minnesota. Originally a defensive specialist, he earned All-Defensive Second-Team honors in 2023-24. Over the past year he posted career highs of 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 41.2 % from three and 51.5 % overall. He started all 73 games he played and helped the Wolves finish 49-33, reaching the conference semifinals for the third straight year.
The extension follows the Wolves’ acquisition of point guard LaMelo Ball in a trade that sent Naz Reid to Charlotte. Ball’s playmaking is expected to create additional scoring opportunities for McDaniels, now the team’s third offensive option behind Anthony Edwards and Ball.
Data & Statistics
- Career-high 14.8 ppg (2025-26)
- 41.2 % three-point, 51.5 % overall FG (2025-26)
- 73 starts, 124 minutes per game average
- 49 career playoff games, second-most in franchise history behind Edwards
- All-Defensive Second-Team (2023-24)
Official Statements & Responses
Agents Nima Namakian and Bill Duffy confirmed the extension to the Associated Press and local media, respectively, emphasizing that the deal provides “cost certainty” as the Wolves plan future max contracts for Edwards and Ball.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Can move, long, play defense, cut backdoor, shoot the 3. I mean, really anything you need,” — Ball
- “It’s crazy. If you’re not paying attention, it might go right past you, go out of bounds or something, and then that’s on you because you’re open,” — Jaden McDaniels
Why It Matters
The $40 million salary will represent roughly 21 % of the projected 2029-30 salary cap, according to analyst Dane Moore. By locking in McDaniels now, the Timberwolves gain flexibility to manage upcoming max deals for Edwards and Ball while retaining a key two-way player.