Can Timberwolves ink McDaniels to extension in next 24 hours?

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Minnesota Timberwolves News Timberwolves Roster Jaden McDaniels

Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /

McDaniels’ injury more precaution than concern

The other major issue that surrounds the future and even current status of SF Jaden McDaniels is his current injury status. He appeared in just one preseason game due to a nagging calf injury. Unto itself, that is not a huge concern. But that piggybacks onto the self-inflicted broken hand that prevented Jaden McDaniels from competing in all postseason games last season.

This season, the status of Jaden McDaniels appears to be trending very much in the positive direction. In fact, the benching of McDaniels for preseason games may have had as much to do with precaution as medical direction.

Chris Finch said pregame Jaden McDaniels has been progressing well from his calf injury — right on cue, 30 minutes later Jaden’s out running stairs in the arena. pic.twitter.com/WRPBaC4Chu
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) October 17, 2023

I think that he will be ready to start the 2023-24 NBA season

Is this the season McDaniels earns NBA All-Defense Team honors?

McDaniels is an elite NBA defender. He has a proven track record of holding even elite NBA scorers well below their season averages. And his age is such that he will continue to improve and develop alongside Anthony Edwards.

But even as the Minnesota Timberwolves hold him in such high regard, he has not earned honors from the NBA at large. That is not uncommon for small-market NBA teams, and the Minnesota Timberwolves fit that small-market NBA team category. Of course, all 30 NBA teams covet Jaden McDaniels’ skills and want him as soon as trade talks begin between the Timberwolves and other NBA teams.

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