Payton Sandfort is now on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster, per the team's official roster as of Wednesday, September 23. The 24-year-old forward enters his second season after appearing in four games last season.
The move
Sandfort joins the Timberwolves from free agency, with no prior roster spot, according to the team's official roster dated Wednesday, September 23. No report preceded the move; it was detected directly from the roster listing. The 24-year-old forward enters his second NBA season after appearing in four games last season. Minnesota now carries 19 players, 15 on standard contracts and three on two-way deals.
The money
Sandfort's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. Minnesota's payroll stands at $215.3 million across 15 standard contracts for 2026-27, over the first apron. The cap sits at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million. Any money attached to Sandfort would land on a payroll already past that threshold.
The fit
Sandfort played four games last season, averaging 15.8 minutes, 8.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.0 assists. Minnesota's forward minutes last season went to Julius Randle at 33.0 minutes and 21.1 points, Jaden McDaniels at 31.7 minutes and 14.8 points, Naz Reid at 26.1 minutes and 13.6 points, and Kyle Anderson at 19.1 minutes and 4.6 points. The roster now totals 19 players, 15 standard and three two-way.
What is Payton Sandfort's contract with the Timberwolves?
Not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did a report precede the move?
No report is logged ahead of the roster move. It was detected from the official roster on Wednesday, September 23.
How does Minnesota's payroll compare to the luxury tax and aprons?
Minnesota's payroll is $215.3 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, above the $200.4 million tax line and the $209.0 million first apron, with a $221.7 million second apron and a $165.0 million cap.