Payton Sandfort is no longer on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster as of Thursday, Sep. 24. The move follows a HoopsRumors report the same day on players being waived, though that report does not name Sandfort directly.
The move
Payton Sandfort, a 24-year-old forward entering what would have been his second NBA season, is off the Minnesota Timberwolves roster as of Thursday, Sep. 24, per the club's official roster. A HoopsRumors report published the same day, "Keon Johnson Among Several Players Waived Thursday," preceded the move; it carries no confidence rating on file and does not identify Sandfort by name.
The money
Sandfort's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing or release by a day. Minnesota's payroll stands at $215.3 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, over the first apron. The league's cap is set 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.
The fit
In 2025-26, Sandfort played 4 games, averaging 15.8 minutes, 8.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.0 assists. Minnesota's forward and wing rotation last season was led by Julius Randle (33.0 minutes, 21.1 points) and Jaden McDaniels (31.7 minutes, 14.8 points), with Anthony Edwards (35.0 minutes, 28.8 points), Naz Reid (26.1 minutes, 13.6 points) and Kyle Anderson (19.1 minutes, 4.6 points) also logging minutes. The Timberwolves' roster now counts 18 players, 15 on standard deals plus three two-way contracts.
Was Payton Sandfort officially waived?
The move is reflected as him leaving the roster as of Thursday, Sep. 24. A HoopsRumors report the same day covered several players being waived, but it does not name Sandfort specifically, so the mechanism of his departure is not announced.
What is Payton Sandfort's contract status?
Not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing or release by a day.
How many players are on Minnesota's roster now?
18, made up of 15 standard contracts and three two-way deals.