June 10, 2026, 5:01 a.m. PT
Former Washington Huskies star Jaden McDaniels had a banner year with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In the second year of his five-year, $131 million extension, the former five-star recruit from Federal Way, Washington, posted several career-highs. He averaged 14.8 points and 2.7 assists per game, while shooting 41.2 percent from three-point range as he helped lead Minnesota to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
McDaniels displayed his high-end talents at both ends of the floor, adding 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and a block per contest, proving to be worth the hefty extension as the Timberwolves were fueled by his energy throughout the year. During a first-round matchup with the Denver Nuggets, he made headlines after Game 2 by calling out his opponent’s defense.
“They’re all bad defenders,” McDaniels told the media of several members of Denver’s roster. “They don’t got people that can defend the rim. We’re still more athletic than them and just got to be able to finish when we do.”
In the clutch, McDaniels proved that he can finish. In Minnesota’s Game 6 win to seal the series against Denver, McDaniels posted a double-double on a game-high 32 points with 10 rebounds, while he added 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
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As the Timberwolves continue to try to get over the hump in a hotly contested Western Conference, the 25-year-old McDaniels has proven to be a valuable piece to build around for general manager Matt Lloyd moving forward.