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Minnesota Timberwolves still haven’t reached deal with Jaylen Nowell

By Andrew Neururer

ST. PAUL, MN - JULY 18: Jaylen Nowell #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after the introductory press conference on July 18, 2019 at the Conway Community Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN - JULY 18: Jaylen Nowell #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after the introductory press conference on July 18, 2019 at the Conway Community Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Timberwolves second-round pick Jaylen Nowell is yet to sign his NBA contract, and the Wolves could use his shooting. What’s the hold up?

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted two players in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The Wolves traded Dario Saric and the No. 11 pick to move up and draft Jarrett Culver at No. 6.

Then, they selected Jaylen Nowell with team’s own No. 43 pick, the 13th pick in the second round. There’s a lot to like in his game, but the two sides have not gotten off on the right foot.

According to Danny Cunningham of Skor North, the two parties are far off from any contract agreement.

Nowell played two seasons at the University of Washington. In his final season he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and1.3 steals. He wouldn’t just bring scoring, he’d bring shooting; Nowell shot 50.2 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range at Washington.

The report explains that Nowell is seeking an agreement in which he has guaranteed money beyond year one. Cunningham notes that last year’s second-round pick, Keita Bates-Diop, was able to receive a three-year deal last season with two years guaranteed.

It’s easy to see both sides in this situation. For a young player whose future is unknown, getting a lock on an amount of money lowers his financial risk. If things go south, Nowell would at least have that guarantee.

Despite the rumored money to be a small cap hit of $898,000 for the first year, Minnesota still doesn’t want to lock themselves into any bad money with their desire to go big game hunting again next offseason.

Every penny counts when Gorgui Dieng’s and Andrew Wiggins’ contracts are still on the books, although that money could look differently if Dieng and Wiggins turn things around. Wiggins is (stop us if you’ve heard this one before) likely the Wolf most primed for a breakout season, and that could certainly change things.

Regardless, the two sides are reportedly far off from agreeing to any contract. The reported deal on the table doesn’t have any guaranteed money beyond year one, and it would be a mild surprise to see the Wolves depart from their current bargaining position.

dark. Next. Identity matters and the Wolves are on their way

Minnesota and Nowell must find a way to come to agreement as both sides can benefit from each other. The two are not off to a good start, but hopefully this issue can get sorted out in relatively short order.

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