A restricted free agent this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves wasted little time bringing Jaylen Clark back into the fold. He was re-signed to a three-year, $10 million contract, slightly above the minimum.
Already a dogged defender, Clark has been in and out of the rotation—and just out during the playoffs—due to his struggles on the offensive end. If he can become a more reliable scorer and outside shooter, his minutes should increase, and the contract would become a steal.
On his podcast, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic spoke about how Clark looks better shooting from distance this offseason:
“I do want to watch Jaylen Clark a little bit more too, because he's been putting some things on social media where he's shooting the three really well in these workouts,” Krawczynski said. "His shot form looks very smooth now. He had a little bit of a hitch in his motion prior to this summer, and we're seeing it look really fluid."
— Jaylen (@jayl7en) July 27, 2026
Developing into a threat from outside could earn Clark an established role under head coach Chris Finch as well as a potential spot in the starting lineup.
Clark has the opportunity to play more if his shot is improved
Krawczynski discussed Clark’s improved look from 3-point range while discussing potential starters for the Wolves at power forward. The starter there is still unknown. While Krawczynski seems to believe that Terrence Shannon Jr. is the favorite to start there most games to begin the season, he also stated that Clark is someone to watch as long as he’s knocking down his outside shots.
After missing his entire first year due to injury, Jaylen Clark’s first season in 2024–25 had a surprising element: how accurate he was from three-point range. Yes, the volume was low—51 attempts—but he made them at a 43.1 percent clip.
Last season, Clark attempted 3-pointers with greater frequency but less success. He’s been working hard this offseason, though, to make himself a more reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
Turning 25 years old on October 13, Clark saw his three-point accuracy dip to 32.7 percent in 2025–26. That’s more in line with how Clark looked during his three years playing collegiately for UCLA.
Getting plenty of reps and fixing his form can give Clark more confidence to take those shots when he’s open. Playing on a team with LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards will cause defenses to sag off him—at least to begin the year—and Finch is going to want to see him make opponents pay for doing so.
The corner will be an area where Clark needs to improve, and it would help in his quest to be the starting power forward. Last season, he went just 19-for-60 (31.7 percent) from the corners.
Improved shot would equal more money on next deal
It's great that the Timberwolves didn't have to think long about continuing their partnership with Clark. That contract could become one of the best values in the league if the improvement from long distance is real.
It would be similar to Miles McBride's deal with the New York Knicks. He agreed to a three-year, $13 million extension with the Knicks prior to becoming the reliable 3-point shooter he is today.
A true 3-and-D player is quite valuable in today's NBA. Clark becoming one of those players would allow his next contract to be for substantially more.
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