What is Jaden McDaniels' contract with Timberwolves? Closer look as forward agrees to multi-year extension 

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly agreed on a new contract extension. McDaniels, 23, was a 2020 first-round pick. The LA Lakers drafted him as the 28th selection before trading him to the Timberwolves. The former Washington prospect is coming off a breakout season.

He averaged 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds, shooting 51.7%, including 39.8% from 3-point range. McDaniels was one of the top Defensive Player of the Year candidates and the best player on that end of the floor for the T'Wolves. He was pivotal in stabilizing the team on defense after stalwarts Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt departed in the trade for Rudy Gobert.

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Jaden McDaniels' contract details

McDaniels and the Timberwolves have agreed on a lucrative five-year rookie scale extension worth $136 million. He will earn an annual average salary of $27.2 million. McDaniels' extension will kick in next season after his rookie deal worth $10 million ends this summer. He will make $3.9 million on that contract.

McDaniels was a reliable threat on defense. He has improved significantly every year on that end. However, he's also ensured that his offensive game has continued to trend upwards. His scoring and shooting efficiency both increased last year. Prior to last season, McDaniels had shot a measly 31.9% from 3-point range. That improved to 39.8% in 2022-23.

He's also a reliable presence after playing 79 games last year. Wings, with his skillset, are heavily courted in today's NBA, so it was a no-brainer for the Timberwolves to offer him a $130+ million contract. The deal is not official yet, so other specifics will be reported when both parties announce the contract.

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Jaden McDaniels' leap will be crucial for the Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are running it back with their core that clinched the eighth seed last year. The Timberwolves went 1-1 in the play-in tournament to book a playoff spot. Jaden McDaniels punched a wall in their final regular season contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, fracturing his hand.

The injury sidelined him for the postseason. His absence may have cost the team a shot at getting the seventh seed instead of the eighth. The Timberwolves had to play the eventual champions, Denver Nuggets, in the first round without McDaniels, which they lost 4-1.

The Timberwolves will hope they don't lose McDaniels ahead of crucial games this year. He's critical to their hopes of making it to the playoffs as a top-six seed. There are not many out there who can bring the two-way threat he does, so McDaniels is certainly an asset they will rely on heavily.