The last piece of business before the season counts was a quiet one, which suits the player. Jaden McDaniels agreed to a one-year extension on Tuesday, and Minnesota flies to Miami with its wing locked in through another year.
A Deal Without Drama
Hoops Rumors reported Tuesday that the Timberwolves and McDaniels agreed to a one-year extension, and ESPN's Jamal Collier put the figure at $40 million. McDaniels is 26 and entering his sixth season, earning $26.2 million this year as the fourth-largest contract on the books. The timing is the message. Payroll already runs to $215.3 million against a $200.4 million tax line, and the front office chose to commit more to the wing who shot 41.2 percent from three last season while guarding the other team's best scorer most nights. Dunking with Wolves called it a win-win. For a defense-first club, keeping the length next to Rudy Gobert was never really optional.
Wednesday Night Counts
The 2026-27 season opens Wednesday, October 21, at the Heat on ESPN, the first of four road-heavy dates: at Orlando on October 23, home against Toronto on October 25, then at Cleveland on October 26. Preseason ended with two losses, 106-128 to Detroit and 116-133 at Chicago, both played with most of the rotation resting. Chris Finch's regulars cleared on October 17, and Rocco Zikarsky is expected back by Wednesday. The group that takes the floor in Miami will be the real one for the first time.
The Open Backcourt Seat
Donte DiVincenzo is out until a projected April 2 return after an Achilles injury, and he played all 82 games last season at 12.2 points and 3.8 assists. That leaves Ayo Dosunmu, who shot 43.9 percent from three last season, Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. to share the minutes beside Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. Dunking with Wolves argued this week that the club could come to regret not trading Shannon this offseason. Wednesday starts the answer to how much Finch trusts him.
How long is Jaden McDaniels' new extension with the Timberwolves?
It is a one-year extension, agreed to on October 20, 2026. ESPN reported the value at $40 million.
When is the Timberwolves' 2026-27 season opener?
Minnesota opens Wednesday, October 21, at the Miami Heat, with the game on ESPN.
