Jaden McDaniels has steadily established himself as a key figure in the NBA, earning recognition for his two-way abilities with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After being selected 28th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, McDaniels was traded twice—first to the Oklahoma City Thunder, then to Minnesota—where his career truly began to flourish. His development into a vital contributor culminated in a significant contract extension in October 2023.
McDaniels’ growth on offense is evident, increasing his scoring average from 6.8 points per game during his rookie season to roughly 12.1 points in the 2022-23 campaign. What sets him apart, however, is his defensive impact. Standing 6’9”, he frequently guards multiple positions and challenges some of the league’s top scorers, making him indispensable to the Timberwolves’ strategy.
Details of McDaniels’ Contract with the Timberwolves
The Timberwolves rewarded McDaniels with a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $131 million, demonstrating their confidence in his continued development. According to Spotrac, his base salary for the 2024-25 season is $22,586,207, supplemented by an incentive bonus of $431,035, totaling a cap hit of $23,017,242. This translates to approximately $43.79 earned per minute on the court, a notable rise from his rookie earnings.
The contract guarantees increasing salaries each year, reflecting steady growth without any options or hidden clauses:
- 2025-26: $24,858,621
- 2026-27: $26,700,000
- 2027-28: $28,541,379
- 2028-29: $30,382,758
McDaniels’ Financial Growth and Career Highlights
By May 2025, McDaniels had accumulated over $33 million in NBA salaries. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his overall net worth at $20 million, a figure poised to increase thanks to his current contract and potential endorsement deals. Prior to turning professional, he earned accolades such as McDonald’s All-American and Washington Gatorade Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, signaling his promise early on.
Entering his fifth NBA season, McDaniels completed a full 82-game schedule, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. His contributions helped the Timberwolves reach their second consecutive Western Conference Finals, underscoring his importance to the team’s success. While his stats might not always grab headlines, his influence on both ends of the floor remains significant, from defensive rotations to floor spacing.
Long-Term Role and Impact on the Timberwolves’ Future
As Minnesota builds its roster around star guard Anthony Edwards, McDaniels has emerged as a vital complementary piece, regarded as the third pillar in the team’s plans moving forward. The Timberwolves’ substantial financial commitment reflects their belief in McDaniels’ value and potential to impact games for years to come. At this stage, the investment appears well-placed as he continues refining his game and contributing to Minnesota’s competitive standing in the NBA.