Minnesota opens Wednesday night in Miami with sixteen players, one new contract and three preseason games that ended with two lopsided losses. The outlets covering the club are mostly looking past those losses to the deal that got done and the guard who has to make the whole thing work.
A Deal Without Precedent
The extension dominated Tuesday. ESPN's Jamal Collier reported that the Timberwolves agreed to a one-year, $40 million extension with McDaniels, and RealGM carried the same figure. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic described the one-year structure as something never done before and set out to explain why both sides wanted it. Canis Hoopus called him a not-bad defender in a headline that reads as understatement by design, while Dunking with Wolves ran two pieces framing it as proof of the club's belief in him and as a win for both parties. What the club's own numbers support is the belief part. McDaniels played 73 games last season, hit 41.2 percent from three and makes $26.2 million this year on a payroll of $215.3 million that already sits above the apron line. What the numbers do not show is the $40 million figure itself or any structure beyond one year, which belongs to those outlets' reporting until the team confirms it.
The Point Guard Question
The Athletic wrote that LaMelo Ball is passing his way into the Wolves' hearts and that the club is banking on it. Dunking with Wolves' Eamon Cassels added that Ball's hunger to win should help Minnesota. Last season in Charlotte he averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists in 72 games, and his $40.8 million salary is the second largest on the team behind Anthony Edwards at $48.9 million. Those are real facts. Whether the passing translates to a defense-first roster is not one yet, because the record stands at 0-0 and the preseason offered a 24-point loss to Detroit and a 17-point loss in Chicago after a comfortable win at the Knicks.
Sixteen Names for Miami
Timberwolves.com announced the finalized opening night roster on Monday, and ESPN previewed Wednesday's game as the Heat's home opener. Cassels at Dunking with Wolves argued the early schedule will test Minnesota's physicality, and Kenny Kluska at the same site suggested Jaylen Clark looks set to open outside the rotation. One idea from the weekend has already run into the roster. Cassels proposed bringing Drew Timme back on the open two-way contract, but Timme left the club on October 18 along with KJ Martin, Antonio Reeves, Enrique Freeman and Norchad Omier, and the sixteen names now listed do not include him. On the health side, Donte DiVincenzo remains sidelined by an Achilles injury with a projected return of April 2, and Rocco Zikarsky carries an undisclosed designation with a return estimate of Wednesday. Miami lists Bam Adebayo with a right groin issue, which would matter against Rudy Gobert if he sits.
What did Jaden McDaniels sign with the Timberwolves?
ESPN and RealGM reported a one-year extension worth $40 million, and The Athletic described the one-year structure as unprecedented. He earns $26.2 million this season.
When is the Timberwolves' first regular season game?
Minnesota opens Wednesday, October 21, at the Miami Heat on ESPN, then plays at Orlando on October 23.
