Timberwolves' $136 million gamble looks better each passing day

Dallas Mavericks v Minnesota Timberwolves | David Berding/GettyImagesWhen the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Jaden McDaniels to a five-year, $136 million contract in October 2023, it wasn't considered a bad deal, necessarily. However, paying a role player nearly $30 million a year was a clear risk, and some people viewed it as an overpay. Flash forward to 2026, and this deal is aging extremely well.

McDaniels is in the midst of a career season, averaging 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, on staggering 52.1/41.9/83.3 shooting splits. It was always clear that McDaniels was an elite-level defender, but it was unclear if his offense would ever be able to catch up. Safe to say his…