The Minnesota Timberwolves just pulled off a contract extension for standout two-way wing Jaden McDaniels that’s got the entire NBA buzzing, a one-year, $40 million deal signed on Monday evening. Why is it so wild? Because McDaniels is the first NBA player EVER to ink an extension with three years still left on a non-max contract, according to Jon Krawczynski and other reporters. This isn’t just big; it’s unprecedented.
The Numbers Are Wild, But They Make Sense
At first glance, a one-year, $40 million extension for a guy who already had three years left on his rookie deal sounds absolutely bonkers. But dig in, and it’s actually a smart play for both sides. The Wolves now have one of their most important players locked in for an additional season, extending him through 2029-30. McDaniels was already on a five-year deal signed in 2023 with roughly $84 million left on it. This new agreement means he’s essentially on a four-year, $124 million deal now. That puts his average annual salary at about $31 million, right in line with guys like Brandon Ingram, Keyonte George, and Ausar Thompson. The message from the Wolves is clear: they value McDaniels as a core piece of their future.
Why McDaniels Said Yes to a Brand New Deal
So why would McDaniels agree to something so unusual? Krawczynski reported it’s at least partly because he wants to stay in Minnesota for his whole career, if possible. Heading into his seventh NBA season, McDaniels clearly loves playing with fellow 2020 draftee Anthony Edwards, who’s a good friend. He’s also now getting to play with new Wolves point guard LaMelo Ball, another 2020 draft pick, which will benefit him on the court.
But the real kicker for McDaniels is the financial play. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement sets a cap on contract extensions, allowing a maximum 140 percent salary increase over a player’s final year’s pay. For McDaniels, that number was previously $29.8 million, which would have limited his next contract to around $41.7 million annually. Now, with this $40 million extension in place, his new starting point allows him to sign an extension worth up to a whopping $56 million annually, beginning in 2028! Obviously, he’s gotta keep balling out to hit that, but his preseason performance is a huge sign he’s set for a massive 2026-27 season. Plus, he’ll still have the option to hit free agency in 2030 as a ten-year veteran if he wants.
So, the Wolves get an extra year of one of their best players and show they’re all-in on his potential. McDaniels gets more security, and a much, much higher ceiling on his next contract. Even if no one has done it before, this deal just makes sense. Keep an eye on how McDaniels performs this season; it could be a preview of an even bigger payday to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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