Jesse Edwards (Image via Dennis Nett) The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially parted ways with Dutch center Jesse Edwards following the 2024 NBA Draft, a decision that signals the franchise’s direction as it builds for the future. The move comes as Minnesota continues to reshape its roster, especially in the frontcourt, which had become increasingly crowded after recent draft and free agency decisions.According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Jesse Edwards was waived on Friday to make room for incoming talent and rebalance the team’s size-heavy depth chart.
Edwards’ Path to Minnesota and G League Success
Jesse Edwards, a 6-foot-11 center from the Netherlands, initially joined the Minnesota Timberwolves organization after going undrafted in 2024. Despite not hearing his name called on draft night, Edwards secured a two-way deal with Minnesota and quickly proved his value in the G League.In his stint with the Iowa Wolves, Edwards made a strong impression:CategoryStat Points 11.9 PPG Rebounds 7.6 RPG Blocks 1.9 BPGHis performance showcased his potential as a mobile big man who runs the floor well, protects the rim, and brings finesse around the basket. Despite this, his NBA opportunity was limited, as he only appeared in two games for Minnesota in brief cameos.
Draft Picks Push Edwards Out
Minnesota’s decision to move on from Edwards became inevitable after selecting two new centers in the 2024 NBA Draft: Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky. Both players are expected to develop within the system and eventually compete for minutes.
Drafted Centers – 2024
PlayerPositionNotes Joan Beringer Center Promising athletic prospect Rocco Zikarsky Center Size and skill combinationThe draft strategy signaled a pivot to younger, more projectable talent in the middle—something that left Edwards on the outside looking in.
Veteran Logjam Leaves No Room
Aside from the new draft picks, the Minnesota Timberwolves also boast a frontcourt loaded with proven veterans and rising stars. This depth made it increasingly difficult for Edwards to find a path to regular minutes.Timberwolves Frontcourt Depth • Rudy Gobert – Defensive anchor and All-Star • Julius Randle – Newly acquired scoring forward • Naz Reid – Versatile sixth-man caliber bigWith this trio firmly entrenched in the rotation and Beringer and Zikarsky waiting in the wings, Minnesota had little incentive to keep Edwards on a two-way contract.
Enrique Freeman Signs, Jesse Edwards Exits
The final straw came with the signing of Enrique Freeman to a two-way deal. The Minnesota Timberwolves prioritized Freeman’s profile and potential fit, opting to waive Jesse Edwards to make room on the roster.As Billy Heyen of ClutchPoints notes, “Minnesota didn’t need the additional size given the height on its full roster already.” Edwards’ skill set—though promising—was redundant in a lineup already brimming with frontcourt length and physicality.
What’s Next for Jesse Edwards?
While Edwards’ time in Minnesota has ended, his strong G League performance and physical tools suggest he won’t be without options for long. Whether it’s another G League affiliate or a team willing to take a flyer on a rim protector with good hands and mobility, Edwards’ professional journey likely isn’t over.His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could still earn him a spot on the fringes of the NBA—or even a rotational role down the line, depending on the opportunity.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Predicted to land $163 million Sacramento Kings Star in Blockbuster Three-Team DealJesse Edwards’ release underscores the Minnesota Timberwolves’ efforts to fine-tune their roster after the NBA Draft. With new faces coming in and established stars already on board, Minnesota chose to move in a different direction. Still, Edwards’ upside remains evident, and his next chapter in professional basketball could be just around the corner.