McDaniels Signs $40 Million Extension With Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves, who play in the US professional basketball league NBA, have agreed to extend the contract of 26-year-old forward Jaden McDaniels by one season. He will receive $40 million for it, according to the player's representatives, who spoke to ESPN. Under the new arrangement, McDaniels will stay with the club through at least the end of the 2029-30 season.

Contract terms

McDaniels signed a five-year, $136 million deal with the Timberwolves in 2023. Following the new agreement, the club will pay him a total of $124 million over the next four seasons.

As early as 2028, the player will be able to agree on a further extension. Its starting salary could reach 140% of the currently planned $40 million, or $56 million.

Last season's numbers

In 2025-26, McDaniels produced the best output of his NBA career. He averaged 14.8 points per game, shooting 51.5% from the field and 41% from three-point range. All three figures were career highs. He also averaged 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and one block.

In the playoffs his scoring average rose to 16.3 points on 44% shooting. In Game 6 of the first round against the Denver Nuggets he scored 32 points and helped Minnesota eliminate its opponent from the race for the NBA championship.

Role in the team

The Timberwolves picked McDaniels 28th in the 2020 NBA draft, the annual selection of new players. Since then he has become one of the team's core players, alongside Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and LaMelo Ball, acquired this summer.

McDaniels' greatest value remains on defense. He has previously made the NBA All-Defense team and is regarded as the Timberwolves' main perimeter defender. According to GeniusIQ data, last season he ranked fourth in the league in defensive possessions against participants of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.