Wednesday afternoon brought news that the Minnesota Timberwolves had officially inked Jaylen Clark to a standard contract for the remainder of the season. Up until now, Clark had been playing on a two-way deal. But the last month of the season really began to make management change their view of him. He has earned a bigger role and with Donte DiVincenzo out along with Julius Randle, there was a much bigger opportunity for his stellar defensive talent to shine.
The Timberwolves' road contest with the Phoenix Suns at the end of January was the first game where Clark earned a legitimate opportunity, and he made the most of it right away. He has been a steady contributor since then and has been playing much more regularly, changing the equation for Minnesota with his high IQ defense and quick thinking.
It was that quick thinking that had Nickeil Alexander-Walker raving about Clark on Tuesday during his appearance on ESPN. He recognized Jaylen's mind for defense during a timeout late in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Now, Clark has been recognized properly for his hard work and will get an even greater chance to prove he should be a long-term piece in Minnesota's locker room.
Some details on the Jaylen Clark contract, per source.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 26, 2025
- Guaranteed
- No team option for next season
- Will still be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season https://t.co/DKBCef1puC
Clark's deal is guaranteed for the rest of the season
The full details of Jaylen Clark's deal were revealed by Dane Moore on Wednesday. The contract he signed with the team is reportedly fully guaranteed, with no team option attached for next season. It is a two-year agreement, meaning Clark is still set to be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Immediately following inking Clark to his new deal, the Timberwolves subsequently went out and signed Bones Hyland to fill the left-behind two-way slot. Part of their motivation to make this contract conversion likely involved this element, but they also would not have chosen Clark if they did not believe fully he was ready to rise to the challenge.
This is a massive step for the 2023 draftee, and could serve as a launching pad for Jaylen to become a core member of this group in the coming months and years.